Summary
This post gives an outline of what to expect from therapy that we offer for trauma
Trauma is any event or experience that is deeply disturbing or distressing.
Some process a trauma and move forward. For others however, it will impact on their relationships and their choices as they go through life. A proportion may go on to develop PTSD.
When someone is experiencing the effects of trauma, they may:
- experience trouble sleeping,
- withdraw from usual activities,
- avoid things that they find “triggering” and
- respond disproportionately to feeling triggered,
- live in a state of constant alert or distress.
A person living with trauma might produce lots of adrenaline and cortisol; stress hormones which can cause physical side effects. Trauma counselling can help.
How might trauma counselling help?
A traumatic memory will never be erased; it is part of a person’s life. The aim of trauma counselling is to reduce the emotional response to the memory; making behaviour easier to understand and control. During counselling, you’ll discuss the rewind technique; don’t worry, this is not something which will involve regularly revisiting the memories or going back to the past. Then further work will help a person to get their emotional needs met, allowing them to move forward in their lives in a calmer, less stressful way.
How can I access this?
The rewind technique will not be necessary for everyone. This is something your therapist will be able to tell you once you have had your first appointment. The rewind technique is done face-to-face. Some therapy can be done online, but the rewind technique has to be completed face-to-face. If online therapy is the only option however, I will use other methods to work with you. I am based in Welling, Bexley which is easily accessible from Greenwich, Lewisham, Dartford and surrounding areas.