If you have experienced recent or past trauma it my be affecting how you feel in the present and having an impact on your life. Trauma counselling can help.
I offer short and longer term professional psychotherapy to people who have experienced recent or past trauma and always work in a safe, gradual, non-judgemental and evidenced-based way.
Trauma-focussed psychotherapy can help you to gradually talk about and make sense of what has happened to you, understand the impact it has had on you, and most importantly, help you to heal. You absolutely can recover from trauma and live the rich and full life you want to live.
Experiencing trauma can make the world feel like a very scary place and I will always do my best to help you feel comfortable and safe in our sessions. My consulting rooms in Central Manchester, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge are safe, warm and welcoming places where discretion and confidentiality are assured. I do also offer online trauma counselling, which some people find more helpful.
You can contact me here or by emailing zoe@zoeross.com to discuss whether I could be the right psychotherapist for you.
What is trauma?
Psychological trauma is a normal emotional response to a frightening, highly stressful or distressing event.
Trauma can affect anyone from any age and background. You my have experienced a one-off traumatic event, a series of such events or be something from your childhood. Events that can cause psychological trauma include:
- serious road accidents
- the sudden death of a loved one
- violent attack, including mugging or robbery
- sexual assault and rape
- abuse of any kind, including childhood neglect, sexual abuse and narcissistic abuse.
Do I need trauma counselling?
Whether you need professional help to deal with trauma depends on a number of factors, including the type of trauma you have experienced and your symptoms. There is no one type of counselling that works for everyone, however what is important is most important is that you feel safe and can trust your psychotherapist.
It is normal if you have been exposed to trauma to experience shock, denial and difficulty managing your emotions afterwards. For many people the intensity of these difficulties declines naturally within a relatively short time. If they do not go away, counselling may be helpful.
I offer a 15 minute free consultation to all new clients, so please do contact me today if you’d like to see if I may be the right psychotherapist to help you.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Around 1 in 3 people go on to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can be extremely debilitating.
PTSD symptoms can be very distressing and make you worry there is something seriously wrong with you. However, please be assured that PTSD develops as a result of trauma and is very treatable. These are some of the common symptoms of PTSD:
- Intrusive memories of the trauma, including flashbacks and nightmares, with strong emotional and physical reactions.
- Feeling ‘on edge’, looking out for threats constantly, including feeling jumpy and easily startled.
- Negative thinking and extreme anxiety
- Quick to anger and feeling very stressed
- Problems concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a very treatable condition and different people find different therapeutic approaches helpful. I create a personalised treatment plan for each person I work with, which is especially important for people struggling with PTSD. You might like to read more about me to help you to understand what to expect from working with me. These FAQs may also be helpful.
Mind and PTSD UK have a wealth of further information about trauma and PTSD. You may also like to read The Body Keeps The Score and Recovering from Trauma using Compassion Focussed Therapy. Both are superb books about trauma which heavily influence my work and give you suggestions for how you can help yourself.
Please note, I cannot diagnose you with PTSD. You will need to see your GP if you suspect you have PTSD and wish to get access to specialist assessment and treatment through the NHS. This is not necessary to access private trauma therapy to address your symptoms and deal with the trauma you have experienced.
Complex-PTSD and dissociative disorders
Some people who have experienced severe and sustained trauma may develop Complex-PTSD and dissociative disorders. They have usually sustained significant and prolonged traumatic events. These include childhood neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, and ongoing domestic violence. The trauma was usually long term and impossible to get away from, meaning the mind had to develop ways to cope in extremely harmful circumstances.
I have worked with a number of clients struggling dissociative disorders and Complex PTSD. So, if you feel you are struggling with either of these very difficult conditions, please get in touch for a supportive and safe discussion around how I may be able to help you. This would likely be in addition to the specialist services you may already be accessing, or need to access to get well.
You can find out more about Complex-PTSD here and dissociative disorders here.
