Different types of trauma
PTSD
CPTSD
CPTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) usually develops after a single overwhelming or life-threatening event, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance.
CPTSD
CPTSD
CPTSD
Complex PTSD (CPTSD), on the other hand, is linked to repeated or long-term trauma, and can involve additional challenges such as emotional regulation difficulties, persistent negative self-beliefs, and struggles in relationships.
Relational Trauma
I have a special interest in working with clients with relational trauma as it has such a lasting impact on how clients view themselves and relate to others.
Relational trauma happens when the very relationships that should have felt safe and supportive — often with parents or caregivers— instead involved neglect, criticism, unpredictability, or abuse.
Because our earliest connections shape how we see ourselves and others, these painful experiences can leave deep emotional marks.
They can make it harder to trust, feel secure, or believe you are worthy of love and care.
Some signs of relational trauma may include:
- Finding it hard to trust others or let people get close
- Feeling anxious or unsettled in relationships
- A strong fear of being rejected or abandoned
- Struggling with low self-esteem or self-criticism
- Feeling “too much” or “not enough” in relationships
- Getting stuck in unhealthy or repeating patterns with partners or friends
Counselling can offer a safe space to explore these experiences, understand how they affect you now, and support you in building healthier, more compassionate ways of relating — both to others and to yourself.
Three stage model
Safety and Stabilisation
Safety and Stabilisation
Safety and Stabilisation
We begin with Phase One: Safety and Stabilisation—helping you feel more settled in your body, your emotions, and your daily life.
If you wish, I can offer psychoeducation and practical strategies to help you better understand and manage your trauma symptoms effectively.
This phase is all about creating a foundation where you feel safe, supported, and in control.
Processing Trauma
Safety and Stabilisation
Safety and Stabilisation
Phase Two: Processing Trauma comes when you feel ready. In this stage, we can gently explore and work through the experiences that have been affecting you. Approaches such as Trauma-Focused CBT, EFT tapping, and the Rewind Technique may be used to help process memories or emotions in a safe and manageable way.
These methods allow you to w
Phase Two: Processing Trauma comes when you feel ready. In this stage, we can gently explore and work through the experiences that have been affecting you. Approaches such as Trauma-Focused CBT, EFT tapping, and the Rewind Technique may be used to help process memories or emotions in a safe and manageable way.
These methods allow you to work through trauma without becoming overwhelmed, giving you tools to respond differently to distressing thoughts, feelings, or memories.
Reintegration
Safety and Stabilisation
Reintegration
Phase Three: Reintegration focuses on moving forward and bringing the gains from therapy into your everyday life.
This stage is about reconnecting with your strengths, rebuilding a positive sense of self, improving relationships, and feeling more grounded and balanced in your life.
Throughout the process, you decide the pace and direction.
Phase Three: Reintegration focuses on moving forward and bringing the gains from therapy into your everyday life.
This stage is about reconnecting with your strengths, rebuilding a positive sense of self, improving relationships, and feeling more grounded and balanced in your life.
Throughout the process, you decide the pace and direction. The goal is not just to reduce distress, but to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered as you move forward.