Trauma
What is Trauma informed counselling?
Trauma informed counselling focuses on helping individuals process and heal from emotional, psychological, or physical wounds caused by distressing events, such as accidents, abuse, loss, or natural disasters. Trauma can deeply affect a person’s well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other symptoms.
We work to build a safe and supportive environment where you feels comfortable expressing your feelings, reframe challenging thoughts, process memories, and develop healthy coping strategies. In order to empower you to regain a sense of control, reduce emotional distress, and work towards healing.
Trauma can lead to a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms, which may vary in intensity and duration.
Common symptoms of Trauma include
There is no one cause for trauma and every person will respond to situations differently. It is important to remember that our thresholds for the experiences that life throw at us are different and there is no “right” or “wrong” response to how these affect us.
- Intense feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, or shame
- Mood swings, irritability, or anger
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or constant worry
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world (e.g., feeling hopeless)
- Distorted perceptions of safety or reality
- Avoidance of situations or places that remind the person of the trauma
- Withdrawal from social relationships or activities
- Trouble sleeping (e.g., insomnia, nightmares)
Key principles of trauma-informed counselling include:
- Safety: Ensuring that the counselling environment feels physically and emotionally safe for the client.
- Trustworthiness: Establishing transparency and consistency in the therapeutic process to build trust.
- Choice: Empowering clients by offering options and respecting their autonomy in decisions about treatment.
- Collaboration: Working together with clients as partners in the healing process, valuing their input and perspectives.
- Empowerment: Fostering resilience by helping clients rebuild a sense of control over their lives.
- Cultural, historical, and gender sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the client’s cultural background and experiences in relation to trauma.
How can counselling help?
An important part of any work involving trauma is to avoid re-traumatization therefore this approach is sensitive to the fact that trauma can deeply affect a person’s perception of safety, relationships, and ability to cope with stress, and it focuses on promoting healing through trust and collaboration.
Further guidance or support
Try a Reading Well book
Reading Well for mental health provides helpful information and support, with books on mindfulness and other subjects available free from your local library.
Visit Mind.org.uk
Explains anxiety and panic attacks, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips and guidance for friends and family.
Get in touch
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