Psychotherapy for Trauma
Physical or sexual assault, surviving a serious accident, living through domestic or sexual abuse, the death of a loved one; these are all events that are not only frightening and shocking to experience in the moment, but also have the potential to have long-term physical and psychological effects upon us. Any one of these incidents, alongside a host of other life-altering or traumatic experiences can become a trigger for a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To better explain, let us take a closer look at the symptoms related to PTSD, as well as Complex PTSD, treatment and when to reach out to a therapist for trauma and PTSD.
What is Trauma and PTSD?
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can be thought of as a memory processing issue. This means we will try to avoid any reminder of a particularly distressing experience or anything that has had a profoundly negative impact on our lives. By doing so, we do not allow ourselves to process the event properly, so instead of the experience becoming a memory, it is instead often cognitively present, and the traumatic experience can be ‘triggered’ whenever we are remotely reminded of it. In other words, trauma is unprocessed shock. The reminder, or trigger, could be people, a place, or a smell which transports us right back to the event with a flashback so vivid that it feels as though it is happening to us all over again. The problem is that it is not only visual - in that we see the event replay as a video in front of our eyes - it also brings back all the same upsetting emotions we felt at the time of the incident, leaving us distressed and reluctant to process the event and so becoming even more trapped in a vicious cycle.
What is Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD is, as the name suggests, a more complicated version of PTSD. It is often confused for personality disorders because of the crossover symptoms. Mostly, Complex PTSD stems from childhood trauma, often repeated, and can go on to affect development. In some cases, we will not start to exhibit symptoms for many years after the traumatic event or events, so we might not be entirely sure we are living with Complex PTSD.
Symptoms of Complex PTSD can present itself as:
Distrusting everyone
Shouldering the blame for what happened to you
Not feeling safe
Severe anger, sadness, guilt and/or shame
Feeling alone and as though no one understands your issues or what you are going through
These symptoms will coincide alongside those of classic PTSD listed below.
Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD
Although most symptoms affect us mentally and emotionally, trauma and PTSD can also trigger physical reactions. Here are some of the most common signs that you may be suffering from trauma or PTSD:
Problems sleeping, including insomnia
Nightmares
Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
Distorted self-image, including low self-esteem
Difficulty maintaining healthy professional and personal relationships
Sweating
Nausea
Trembling
Feeling edgy
Guilt
Feeling isolated
Anxiety that can result in panic attacks
Irritability
Trouble focussing
Feeling numb
Disconnecting from the event to the point of not being able to fully remember the details
Avoidance - not talking or thinking about the trauma by any means necessary
Testimonials
When do you need a therapist for trauma and PTSD?
It is important to understand that PTSD is not exclusive to certain events or the severity of such an event. We are all unique and impacted differently by whatever life throws our way, but some common sources of PTSD are:
Sexual assault
Robbery
Domestic Violence
Serious health problems or an injury to either ourselves or a loved one
Natural disasters
Witnessing an act of violence
Traumatic experiences relating to childbirth
Childhood abuse or bullying
Any one of these is enough to leave us shocked, upset and confused, but avoiding these feelings, especially when they persist for more than a month, can result in traumatic symptoms, the majority of which are listed above. In some cases, our distress might feel so severe that we are overwhelmed by the effects, making it hard to maintain everyday relationships and undertake everyday tasks. If you have experienced trauma and now find that your habits and hobbies have changed, that you are feeling anxious or unable to focus the way you used to, or that your relationships are suffering, it might be time to reach out to The Modern Psychotherapist as a therapist for trauma and PTSD in Central & West London.
Trauma and PTSD therapy: Types of treatment
Reliving traumatic experiences can be painful, and needs to be done in a safe and empathetic environment, with a skilled professional. Having the courage to work through traumatic events is often the first step to alleviating symptoms, because when we avoid these uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, we tend to exacerbate those feelings. That is why at The Modern Psychotherapist I focus, first and foremost, on creating a warm and non-judgemental environment for you to share your thoughts and feelings so that we can navigate together any distress they elicit. In addition, I believe in a client-centred approach where we will create a therapeutic plan completely tailored to suit your experiences, personality and goals. That is why we will start with an initial consultation in which we discuss your struggles and distress, alongside what you are aiming to get out of therapy. From there, we will utilise a variety of well established psychotherapeutic methods to begin the process of working through your trauma, at your own pace, and alleviating your symptoms. Here are some of the ideas and techniques you can expect to experience when we are working together:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: One approach to dealing with PTSD and trauma is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, most commonly known as CBT. This is done by a gradual exposure to the triggering event so that we are able to address the trauma in a way that will allow us to process it more effectively instead of ignoring and burying the issue. This is known as exposure therapy, and is best done with someone we trust, and in a safe space. In undertaking exposure therapy, we encourage the brain to look at the trauma as a memory and an experience that cannot harm us right now. In working through and processing the event, it will begin to feel more like the past.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is built on the ideas of Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis. These ideas suggest that traumatic experiences are buried in the unconscious mind and, through therapy, we can bring them into the conscious mind and work through them. Often such experiences are at the root of our distress or behavioural issues without us even being aware of them. By making these experiences conscious, we can understand and change the way they impact our emotions and behaviours in our adult lives.
Humanistic and Person-Centred Counselling: Probably the most common form of counselling and often referred to as a talking therapy, Person-Centred Counselling offers you the chance to sit down in a warm, genuine environment where you will feel empowered to open up about the challenges you are facing, as well as your accompanying thoughts and feelings.
At The Modern Psychotherapist, trauma & PTSD therapy takes place in a safe space, void of judgement, where you are supported in beginning the process of acknowledging, understanding and articulating the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings you might be experiencing. This is particularly helpful when processing trauma, as traumatic experiences are often accompanied by unwarranted feelings of shame.
If you are ready to take the first step, I am a fully qualified (MAPsych, PGDipPsych) and registered (MBACP) integrative psychotherapist for trauma and PTSD in Central and West London:
Trauma and PTSD Therapy Central London
Trauma and PTSD Therapy West London
I also have experience in helping clients with depression, stress, low-self esteem and low self-confidence, anxiety, relationship and family dynamics, communication, anger management, and bereavement.
Common Questions:
How do I start with a therapist for trauma & PTSD in Central and West London?
At The Modern Psychotherapist, I know from personal experience that finding a therapist can be daunting, and your decision to reach out takes courage, and is a step in the right direction. If you are ready for us to take those steps, as we begin to articulate your thoughts and feelings and understand how they can be challenging, then please contact me by phone, text, WhatsApp or email to discuss how we can do that together.
E: anthony@themodernpsychotherapist.com
P: 07306650284
Will I Gain Advice from Therapy Sessions?
Unlike coaching, therapy is not the place to come for advice. Instead of ‘rescuing’ you, my goal is to equip you with the self-knowledge and the practical tools you need to face your own challenges. To do so, we will work collaboratively in a safe space where I will guide you as you learn more about yourself and your individual struggles and strengths. It is not to say that I will not provide insight and my perspective on your situation, but the true objective of psychotherapy is learning to trust your own instincts and to take responsibility for your decisions.