Healing from trauma: How counselling and psychotherapy can help
Trauma can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars that affect every area of life—relationships, work, physical health, and our sense of self. Whether the trauma stems from a single event, such as an accident or assault, or from ongoing experiences like abuse, neglect, or bullying, the impact can be deep and enduring.
But trauma doesn’t have to define your life. With the right support, healing is possible.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma is a response to an overwhelming or distressing experience that exceeds our ability to cope. It can lead to symptoms such as:
- Anxiety or panic
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Emotional numbness or disconnection
- Sleep problems or nightmares
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or low self-worth
These responses are not signs of weakness—they are natural survival mechanisms. Counselling and psychotherapy provide a safe and supportive space to work through these responses and begin to recover.
How therapy can help
Therapy offers a confidential, non-judgmental environment where you can begin to process traumatic experiences at your own pace. Some ways therapy supports trauma recovery include:
Creating safety
The therapeutic relationship provides a stable, consistent space where you are heard, believed, and respected—often a crucial first step for trauma survivors.
Understanding your experience
Through talking therapy, you can make sense of what happened, explore how it has affected you, and start to see it as something that happened to you, not something that defines you.
Regulating emotions
Therapy helps you learn techniques to manage overwhelming emotions, reduce anxiety, and feel more in control of your inner world.
Reconnecting with yourself and others
Many people who have experienced trauma feel disconnected from themselves and those around them. Therapy helps you rebuild trust and feel more present and grounded.
Moving forward
When the time is right, therapy supports you in integrating your experiences and finding meaning, growth, and new strength beyond the trauma.
Our Approaches to Trauma Therapy
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We will tailor the work to your needs, drawing from evidence-based methods such as:
- Person-Centred Therapy – focusing on empathy, acceptance, and building self-worth
- Trauma-Informed Therapy – ensuring safety, trust, and choice throughout the process
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – addressing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours
You're Not Alone
Healing from trauma takes time and courage, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn, counselling can offer a path toward hope and healing.
If you're ready to take the next step or just want to explore what support might look like, please get in touch.
My approach is centred on you, and our sessions will always be based on your psychotherapy and counselling needs.
Contact me today to arrange counselling and psychotherapy focused on your needs:
