Trauma

If you’ve experienced something overwhelming or distressing, it can stay with you long after the event has passed.

You might feel constantly on edge, stuck in your thoughts, emotionally numb, or not quite like yourself anymore. Perhaps you avoid certain places or situations, or find that small things trigger strong reactions you don’t fully understand.

Trauma can affect how you feel, think, and relate to others, but it is possible to process what’s happened and begin to feel safer and more in control again.

I offer specialist trauma therapy on the Isle of Wight, Southampton or online for adults and teenagers, in a calm, supportive, and confidential space.

What is trauma?

Trauma isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how your mind and body responded.

It can develop after a single distressing event, or from ongoing experiences over time. What feels traumatic is different for everyone, and you don’t have to have experienced something “extreme” for it to have had a lasting impact.

Signs you might be affected by trauma

You might recognise some of the following:

Feeling constantly alert, anxious, or on edge
Intrusive thoughts, memories, or nightmares
Avoiding certain places, people, or situations
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
Sudden mood changes or irritability
Feeling overwhelmed by things that didn’t used to affect you

Even if these responses don’t fully make sense to you, they are often your mind and body trying to protect you.

Types of trauma I work with:

I support adults and teenagers with a range of experiences, including:

Childhood trauma
Relationship or attachment trauma
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
Frontline or military trauma
Sexual, physical or mental assault
Complex trauma
Recent traumatic events (e.g. accidents, loss, or sudden change)
Emotional neglect or difficult early experiences

If you’re unsure whether what you’ve experienced “counts” as trauma, we can explore this together.

How trauma therapy can help

Trauma therapy isn’t about forcing you to relive everything that’s happened.

Instead, we work at your pace to help you feel safer, more grounded, and better able to manage your thoughts and emotions.

In our work together, we might focus on:

Understanding how trauma is affecting you now
Reducing anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional reactivity
Processing difficult memories in a safe and contained way
Rebuilding a sense of control and stability
Helping you feel more like yourself again

You remain in control throughout. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel ready.

My approach

I am a Clinical Psychologist with specialist experience in working with trauma.

I use evidence-based approaches, including:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
Trauma-focused CBT
Integrative, formulation-driven therapy tailored to you

Every person’s experience of trauma is different, so therapy is always adapted to your needs rather than following a fixed approach.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

If something from the past is still affecting how you feel or live your life, therapy can help—even if it happened a long time ago.

Do I have to talk about everything that’s happened?

No. We go at your pace. Building a sense of safety comes first.

How long does trauma therapy take?

This varies depending on your experiences and what you want from therapy. Some people benefit from short-term work, while others prefer longer-term support.

Do you offer EMDR?

Yes, EMDR is one of the approaches I use where appropriate, as part of a tailored treatment plan, in Southampton, on the Isle of Wight, as well as online.

Taking the next step

Reaching out can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve been coping on your own for a long time.

If you’re considering trauma therapy, you’re welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial consultation or ask any questions.