Trauma and PTSD

What is it?

Trauma refers to the effects that follow experiences which overwhelm a person's ability to cope, where they or someone close to them felt in serious danger. It may be a single event, such as an accident, an earthquake, an assault, abuse or a sudden loss, or long lasting difficult circumstances.

Struggling for a while after such an experience is an understandable reaction, and for many people it eases with time. When symptoms last for months and clearly limit daily life, it may be described as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seeking support to understand how an experience has affected you is not a weakness.

Common signs

Unwanted memories of the event, nightmares
Avoiding places, people or situations that bring it back
Feeling constantly on guard, startling easily
Sleep problems and difficulty concentrating
Emotional numbness or feeling cut off from others
Guilt, shame or anger

These signs alone do not mean a diagnosis; an assessment takes place in an in person or online session.

How can therapy help?

In trauma work, feeling safe comes first. You are not expected to describe what happened in detail at the start; we first focus on ways to help you steady your body and emotions. Methods based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help to address trauma related thoughts and avoidance step by step.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy makes room to understand how the experience has become intertwined with your sense of self, your relationships and your history. The process moves at your pace and we decide together what to talk about and when.

Approaches I use in this area

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and works on changing unhelpful cycles.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy

An approach that explores how past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings outside our awareness shape the present.

When is extra support needed?

The signs listed here do not on their own mean a diagnosis; an assessment can only be made in a session. If severe sleep problems, serious depressive symptoms or substance use are present, I will refer you to a psychiatrist so that medication can be considered. If you are still in danger or having thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 right away.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to describe what happened in detail?

No. You decide when and how much to share. The first step in therapy is building a safe working relationship.

It happened a long time ago. Can I still get support?

Yes. The effects of trauma can appear or continue years later. Support is possible no matter how much time has passed.

Does every traumatic event lead to PTSD?

No. Not everyone who goes through a distressing event develops PTSD. Some reactions ease on their own over time; if symptoms continue for a long time, an assessment is important.

Every process is personal. Therapy does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it offers a safe space for change.