Both PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and CPTSD (Complex PTSD) happen when the mind and body stay stuck in survival mode after trauma. But there are some key differences in how they show up:

PTSD

Usually develops after a single traumatic event — for example:

• A car accident

• Assault or attack

• Natural disaster

• Sudden loss

Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks and nightmares

• Avoiding reminders of the event

• Feeling on edge, anxious, or easily startled

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating

PTSD can make you feel like you’re reliving the event, even when you know you’re safe.

CPTSD (Complex PTSD)

Develops after ongoing or repeated trauma over time, often in situations where escape wasn’t possible — for example:

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Growing up in an unsafe or unstable environment

• Repeated relational trauma (domestic violence, coercion, bullying)

• Long-term captivity, oppression, or conflict

Alongside PTSD symptoms, CPTSD often includes:

• Deep shame or guilt (“Something is wrong with me”)

• Feeling worthless or “not enough”

• Emotional flashbacks (sudden overwhelming feelings without clear memories)

• Difficulty trusting or forming healthy relationships

• Fear of abandonment or rejection

• A sense of emptiness or disconnection from self

CPTSD affects not only how you feel in the moment but also how you see yourself and relate to the world.

The Shared Truth

Whether PTSD or CPTSD, the impact is real — and it is not your fault.
Both conditions are your nervous system’s way of trying to survive overwhelming experiences. And both can heal with the right support.

Therapies like EMDR, counselling, and trauma-informed approaches help reprocess the past, calm the nervous system, and rebuild trust and safety so you can move forward.

PTSD can develop after a single traumatic event (like an accident, assault, or disaster).
CPTSD often develops after repeated or long-term trauma (such as childhood neglect, abuse, or ongoing unsafe environments).

Common experiences include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Nightmares or disturbed sleep

• Feeling constantly on edge or “hypervigilant”

• Difficulty concentrating or relaxing

• Emotional numbing or disconnection

• Overwhelming guilt, shame, or anger

• Avoiding reminders of the trauma

• Challenges in relationships or trust

These symptoms are not signs of weakness. They are signs that your system is still trying to protect you.

Therapy provides a safe space to process what happened without being overwhelmed by it. Together, we work to:

• Re-establish safety in your body and environment

• Reduce the intensity of flashbacks and triggers

• Reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer control you

• Build tools to calm anxiety and regulate emotions

• Address the beliefs that trauma left behind (“I’m unsafe,” “I’m powerless,” “It’s my fault”)

• Restore trust, self-worth, and connection with others

My approach integrates trauma-informed therapies tailored to your needs:

• EMDR Therapy — to safely reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their impact

• Counselling — to explore your experiences and support your emotional healing

• NLP & Coaching tools — to shift deep-rooted beliefs shaped by trauma

• Somatic and mindfulness practices — to calm the nervous system and rebuild resilience

Case Story 1 – Single-Event Trauma (PTSD)

James (not their real name) was in a car accident that left him terrified of driving. Even months later, the sound of screeching brakes or sudden movements on the road sent his heart racing. He began avoiding travel altogether, which affected his work and social life.

In therapy, we used EMDR to target the accident memories that felt “stuck.” As the reprocessing unfolded, the flashbacks became less vivid and his body no longer reacted as if the crash were happening again. James gradually rebuilt his confidence, returning to the driver’s seat without overwhelming fear.

Case Story 2 – Complex Trauma (CPTSD) from Childhood Neglect

Sophia (not their real name) grew up in a home where her emotional needs were consistently ignored. As an adult, she struggled with feelings of emptiness, a constant fear of abandonment, and difficulties trusting even close friends. She often described it as “living with an invisible weight.”

Through counselling and EMDR, we worked on both the painful childhood experiences and the negative self-beliefs that came with them (“I don’t matter,” “I’m unlovable”). Over time, Sophia began to connect more with her own needs, build healthier boundaries, and experience relationships with a sense of safety rather than fear.

Case Story 3 – Repeated Trauma (CPTSD)

Daniel (not their real name) served in the military and carried years of accumulated traumatic experiences. Loud noises triggered hypervigilance, and he often felt detached from his family, struggling with irritability and guilt. He said it felt like he was “half in the present, half back there.”

Together, we used a blend of EMDR and grounding techniques to help Daniel process each layer of trauma safely, without becoming overwhelmed. He learned how to calm his nervous system and re-engage with daily life. Over time, the memories lost their grip, and he was able to be more present with his partner and children.

What exactly is trauma therapy?
Trauma therapy is a specialised approach to help you safely process overwhelming experiences from the past. It recognises that trauma affects both mind and body, and works to restore a sense of safety, resilience, and control in your life.

Do I have to talk about all the details of what happened?
Not at all. Many clients worry they’ll have to retell their entire story. With approaches like EMDR, we don’t need all the details to help your brain reprocess the memory. You share only what feels comfortable and safe.

How long does trauma therapy take?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people notice changes in just a few sessions, while deeper or long-standing trauma may take longer. We’ll always go at your pace — there’s no pressure or rush.

What if I get overwhelmed during a session?
That’s a common fear. Part of the process is learning stabilisation techniques before we begin trauma processing. You’ll have tools to ground yourself, and I’ll guide you gently so you feel safe and supported throughout.

Can trauma therapy help if I feel numb or can’t remember much?
Yes. Trauma can sometimes block memory or shut down emotions as a survival response. Therapy helps to gently reconnect with your inner experience at a pace that feels manageable. You don’t need clear memories for healing to begin.

Is EMDR the only method you use?
No — I take an integrative approach. EMDR is powerful, but I also draw on counselling, coaching, and practical tools for daily life. This means we can work on both the roots of trauma and your day-to-day wellbeing.

How do I know if trauma therapy is right for me?
It may be especially helpful if you:

• Feel stuck in patterns you can’t shift.

• React strongly to triggers that “don’t make sense.”

• Long to feel calmer, lighter, and more present.

The best way to know is to try a free discovery call, where we can talk through your needs and see if it feels like a good fit.

I understand that trauma isn’t just a story of what happened — it’s something you still feel in your body and mind every day. My role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you are never judged, always supported, and guided gently toward freedom from the past.

The approach I use is integrative — meaning we can draw from EMDR, counselling, NLP, or a blend of these methods. This allows the therapy to move at your pace, focusing on what feels most supportive and effective for you.

Together, we can move from living in survival mode to experiencing safety, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.

Here’s what you can expect when working with me:

• A pace that feels safe — you remain in control of the process at all times.

• Whole-person healing — addressing both the emotional and physical imprints of trauma.

• Practical tools alongside therapy — so you feel equipped to manage triggers between sessions.

• An integrative approach — combining methods like EMDR, counselling, and NLP to support both PTSD and CPTSD recovery.

• A safe, compassionate space — where your story is honoured and your healing process is respected.

I also offer a free consultation where we can talk through your situation, answer your questions, and see whether trauma therapy feels like the right fit for you.

📞 Book your free call today — and take the first step toward healing, safety, and lasting change.