Trauma
Trauma is a natural emotional and physical response to events that feel overwhelming, frightening, or deeply distressing. When we experience something acutely stressful, our mind and body work hard to protect us. In the right conditions, we can often recover and regain balance. However, when life moves too quickly or we don’t have the support we need, it is unable to process an experience within an individual’s life, resurfacing in ways that affect our daily life, relationships, and sense of safety. This can be a one-off or a repetitive event.
Sometimes trauma is linked to clear memories, but it can also show up as strong emotions, physical sensations, or a sense of unease without a specific event attached. These bodily‑held experiences are just as important and can be explored safely within therapy.
Types of Trauma
People seek trauma therapy for many different reasons including:
– Single‑incident trauma – This can include accidents, medical emergencies, assaults, sudden loss and any unexpected events
– Complex or developmental trauma – This can include difficult childhood experiences, neglect, emotional or physical abuse
– Relational trauma – This can include harm within close relationships that include betrayal, abandonment or inconsistent caregiving
– Trauma related to disability or health conditions – This can include adjusting to life-changing diagnoses, chronic illness or medical trauma
– Workplace or occupational trauma – This can include burnout, bullying, high-pressure environments or distressing professional events
– Trauma held in the body – This can include sensations, panic attacks, reactions or inability to get on with one’s daily life
Whatever your experience, trauma is personal — and your healing process will be too.
My Approach to Trauma Therapy
While talking therapy can be deeply supportive, some trauma requires more specialised techniques to help the brain process and release what has been overwhelming. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting. Both approaches can create powerful shifts, but they require careful preparation, time, and a supportive therapeutic relationship. We work slowly and safely, ensuring you feel grounded and in control throughout the process.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
A structured, evidence‑based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they feel less intrusive and emotionally charged.
Brainspotting
A gentle, focused method that works with the brain and body to access and release stored trauma, especially when experiences are held somatically rather than verbally.
When is it Time to Seek Help
It is time to seek help when the results of any type of trauma prevent you from living a full and rewarding life.
You do not need to have a clear memory of what happened. Your feelings and bodily responses are enough.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Trauma can be healed, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you are interested in having a more detailed discussion, please contact me using the contact page, send me an email or give me a call.