Trauma-Focused Therapy

Trauma is the emotional response to deeply distressing or overwhelming experiences, such as abuse, neglect, sudden loss, accidents, or events that made you feel unsafe, helpless, or threatened. Trauma can affect not only how we feel, but how we think, relate, and function in our day-to-day lives.

When we experience trauma, especially during childhood or over a long period of time, it can impact the brain's ability to regulate emotions and process stress. Trauma can leave the body and nervous system in a heightened state of alertness or shutdown, leading to difficulties such as flashbacks or intrusive memories, anxiety, hypervigilance or emotional numbness, shame, guilt, or low self-worth, difficulties with trust and relationships or feeling “stuck” or easily overwhelmed.

Trauma-focused therapy is grounded in safety, collaboration, and compassion. It typically follows a three-phase model:

Stabilisation & Emotional Regulation. The focus is on creating a sense of safety—both in the therapy room and within yourself. We work on grounding techniques, self-regulation skills, and building trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Processing the Trauma. At your own pace, we gently begin to explore and process traumatic memories or unresolved experiences. This helps reduce the emotional charge of the past and reframe painful beliefs or narratives that may have developed around the trauma.

Integration & Rehabilitation. The final stage involves integrating what you've learned and experienced into your daily life. We focus on building a stronger sense of identity, re-establishing connection with others, and supporting long-term healing and growth.