Trauma
Trauma can affect us in many ways. From the Greek for ‘wound’, trauma can be defined as an event that causes physical, emotional or psychological injury. Such events include car accidents or serious injury, sudden loss, illness or near-death experiences. It includes abuse, assault, physical, sexual or emotional violence, witnessing violence or death or any situation where our safety or integrity is seriously threatened.
Most of the time, we are able to recover from trauma without needing psychotherapeutic help. However, in some cases the effects of trauma can be debilitating and long-lasting, leaving us with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. These symptoms include:
Most of the time, we are able to recover from trauma without needing psychotherapeutic help. However, in some cases the effects of trauma can be debilitating and long-lasting, leaving us with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. These symptoms include:
- flashbacks or reminders of the trauma
- distressing nightmares
- fear and avoidance of certain places, situations or people
- being easily startled or hypervigilant (overly aware of threat)
- feeling emotionally numb or dissociated ('checking out' of reality)
- intrusive thoughts or feelings related to the trauma
- physical or 'body' memories
- feelings of shame, guilt or responsibility for the event
Healing from trauma does not need to be traumatic or painful. CBT and EMDR are both effective psychotherapies for working with trauma effectively and sensitively.
If you are seeking therapy for trauma-related difficulties, even if you do not have clear memories of your experiences, it is important that you find a therapist who is experienced in trauma-informed practice. Amy has sixeen years' experience working with people who have experienced trauma, especially sexual violence and child abuse.
What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy that is especially effective in helping people to heal from trauma. It helps us to process traumatic memories that have become ‘stuck’ and make these memories feel less distressing or intense. It is not a form of hypnosis and does not remove or change memories – it aims to reduce the impact that traumatic or distressing memories can have on us. NICE recommend EMDR as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. You can read more about EMDR here.
If you have any questions or wish to make an appointment for an initial session, Contact Amy.
If you have any questions or wish to make an appointment for an initial session, Contact Amy.
