Trauma

Trauma is an emotional, psychological and physiological response to high levels of stress and fear that occur as a result of a distressing life event, such as a threat to life (real or perceived), natural disaster, rape, abuse, or an accident, etc.

Trauma can be acute (resulting from a single event), chronic (where trauma is repeated and persistent) or, complex (where trauma is from multiple and varied, often invasive and interpersonal, traumatic events).

What can happen after a traumatic event is commonly referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma can be quite frightening as it can feel overwhelming to the senses. The good news is that trauma counselling can help to ease trauma symptoms and bring about recovery and healing.

How this presents can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms are:
 

Physical Symptoms Headaches Sexual dysfunction Pelvic/back/neck pain Gut dysfunction Sleep problems Eating problems/disorders Vaginismus Gynaecological problems Frequent urination Post traumatic stress Hypervigilance	Emotional Symptoms Feelings of guilt or shame Self blame Depression Anxiety or panic Anger/Rage Fear Feeling overwhelmed Panic attacks Flashbacks Fear of not being believed Dissociation
Behavioural Symptoms Promiscuity Sexual dysfunction Self-harm Drug misuse Alcohol misuse Eating disorders Aggression Avoiding being alone OCD High-risk behaviours Altering appearance	Cognitive Symptoms Poor concentration Concerns about masculinity Overthinking Social withdrawal Loss of motivation Suicidal ideas Negative thinking Phobias Body dysmorphia Confusion

How Therapy Can Help You

Trauma can very difficult to manage in the day-to-day for the sufferer. The impact is often detrimental, emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually to the sufferer and their relationships.  

Sometimes the trauma sufferer might feel shame, or fear of taking a look at things more closely, or, may not realise the extent of how they’ve been affected. Others can be left with long term struggles in making sense of and trying to live with the trauma experienced. Counselling and psychotherapy can offer a vital opportunity to make sense of what’s happened in a safe, sensitive, confidential and non-judgmental environment.

Please note, if you’re loved one of a trauma sufferer, whether by sexual and/or domestic abuse, threat to life, rape or natural disaster, we also offer therapy to help you. 

We are unable to offer support to perpetrators of any type of domestic/sexual abuse or sexual violence. Should you need help regarding this, please visit gov.uk – Partner Violence Domestic Abuse Programme or stopSO.org.uk

*Please note that the mention domestic abuse related services above does not constitute legal advice, not can I guarantee that the information is always up to date.