Trauma is not defined by what happened to you. It is defined by what happened inside you as a result; the way your nervous system adapted to survive an experience that was too overwhelming to fully process at the time.
This means that trauma can result from a single catastrophic event, or from an accumulation of difficult experiences over time. It can stem from workplace incidents, accidents, abuse, medical trauma, childhood experiences, sudden loss, or witnessing harm to others.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): is a specific clinical presentation that can develop following exposure to a traumatic event. It involves intrusive symptoms, avoidance, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and hyperarousal. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can develop following repeated, prolonged trauma; particularly in situations where escape was difficult.
Common signs and presentations
You may be experiencing trauma and ptsd if you recognise any of the following:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or distressing dreams related to traumatic experiences
- Emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma
- Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, people, places, or situations associated with the trauma
- Persistent negative beliefs about yourself or the world as a result of what happened
- Emotional numbing, detachment, or feeling disconnected from your own life
- Hypervigilance: a constant sense of being ‘on guard’, scanning for danger
- Heightened startle response and difficulty relaxing
- Sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, and irritability
- Shame, guilt, or self-blame related to what happened
What to expect in sessions
Trauma therapy is never rushed. The first phase of treatment focuses entirely on safety, stabilisation, and building the therapeutic relationship. Direct trauma processing only begins when you feel ready and resourced to do so.
Many patients find EMDR particularly transformative; describing a shift from reliving traumatic memories to simply remembering them, with significantly less distress. The process is gradual, respectful, and deeply person-centred.