Making space for safety after trauma
After a frightening or overwhelming experience, you may still feel on edge, shut down or troubled by memories. I can help you understand those responses. You choose what to share, and we can take time to establish what helps you feel safe enough to work together.
What this can feel like
Experiences vary. You may recognise some of these, or your experience may look different.
Feeling on edge or scanning for danger
Intrusive memories, nightmares or strong body reactions
Numbness, shutdown or disconnection
Avoiding people, places or reminders
Difficulty trusting or feeling close to others
Shame or a sense that you should be over it
Protective responses can outlast danger
An alarm response can be useful during threat. Later, a sound, situation or relationship may bring back that same feeling of danger even when the present is different. Understanding these responses can reduce self-blame and make room for new choices.
Talk with Richard →How therapy can help
We will discuss what helps you feel steady before exploring difficult experiences. I will check the pace with you, and you can pause or tell me when something feels too much.
Establish safety
We can begin with grounding, boundaries and what helps you feel steady.
Understand the pattern
Notice triggers, body cues and the meanings attached to them without forcing disclosure.
Reconnect gradually
Explore ways to regain choice in relationships and daily life at a pace you can tolerate.
Understanding your experience
More than a symptom
Trauma work does not require you to retell everything at once. We can agree what is useful to explore, check the pace together and respond to what is happening now.
What change might look like
Change may look like recognising a reaction sooner, feeling more present during difficult moments, or finding that parts of life become less restricted.
You remain in charge of what we explore and when.
Related areas
Anxiety & OCD → Relationships & Intimacy → Depression →
For general information about counselling and accessing support, see the resources page.
Explore what else may be involved
Traumatic experiences can affect self-worth and leave you carrying shame or blame. If that feels familiar, the pages below explain more.
You can ask for help before you have the answers.
If you would like to talk this through, you are welcome to get in touch. We can discuss your questions before you decide whether to begin.
Get in touch