Trauma & PTSD
Healing from painful experiences at your own pace
Understanding Trauma & PTSD
Trauma is not simply about what happened to you — it is about how those experiences live on inside you, shaping the way you feel, think, and relate to the world around you. Whether you have survived a single overwhelming event or endured prolonged periods of distress, the effects of trauma can reach into every corner of your daily life. You may find yourself feeling constantly on edge, struggling with intrusive memories, or withdrawing from the people and activities that once brought you comfort.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop when the mind and body remain locked in a state of heightened alertness long after the danger has passed. You might experience flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, or a persistent sense of numbness and disconnection. Everyday situations that others take for granted — a sudden loud noise, a familiar place, or even a particular smell — can trigger intense emotional and physical reactions that feel impossible to control.
If any of this resonates with you, please know that what you are experiencing is a normal response to abnormal circumstances. Trauma is not a sign of weakness. It is a reflection of how deeply we can be affected by the events we live through. And with the right support, healing is not only possible — it is something you deserve.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Recovering from trauma is not about forgetting what happened or simply “moving on.” It is about gradually making sense of your experiences within a safe, confidential therapeutic space where you feel truly heard and respected. Using a psychodynamic approach, I work with you to gently explore the deeper emotional patterns and unconscious processes that may be keeping you stuck in cycles of pain, fear, or avoidance.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy recognises that many of our responses to trauma are rooted in our earliest relational experiences and the ways we learned to protect ourselves. Together, we explore not only the traumatic events themselves but also how they have shaped your sense of self, your relationships, and your capacity to trust. This is deeply collaborative work — we move at your pace, guided by what feels safe and meaningful for you.
Central to this process is the therapeutic relationship itself. With over 20 years of experience, I have seen time and again that genuine healing unfolds when a person feels truly held and understood by another. The trust and connection we build together become the foundation for lasting change.
“the relationship is the therapy”
You Might Benefit from Therapy If…
- You experience intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to a past event
- You feel constantly on guard, easily startled, or unable to relax even in safe environments
- You avoid certain places, people, or situations because they remind you of something painful
- You feel emotionally numb, detached from others, or disconnected from your own feelings
- You struggle with intense guilt, shame, or self-blame related to something that happened to you
- You find it difficult to trust others or to feel safe in close relationships
- You notice that past experiences are affecting your sleep, concentration, or ability to function day to day
Taking the First Step
Reaching out for help after experiencing trauma takes real courage. You do not have to face this alone. I am here to offer a safe, confidential space where healing can begin — at your own pace and on your own terms.