TRAUMA

Sometimes, life’s experiences leave a mark that’s hard to shake, making it difficult to feel safe.

What is trauma?

Lightning storm illuminating dark clouds at night.

Trauma can happen when we face deeply distressing or life-threatening events. Its impact can be wide-ranging, affecting how we feel, think, and respond to the world. You might experience heightened anxiety, low mood, flashbacks, nightmares, or difficulty managing emotions. Experiencing trauma is common, and seeking support is a courageous step toward healing.

Trauma doesn’t just come from the event itself, it’s also about how we experience, respond to, and cope with it. Even events that others might seem to “get over” easily can leave lasting emotional and physical effects.

Trauma is a psychological response to events that overwhelm your ability to cope. It can show up in different ways, including:

  • Persistent anxiety or panic

  • Low mood or depression

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories

  • Nightmares or disturbed sleep

  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself or others

Everyone experiences trauma differently. Symptoms and reactions vary, and your feelings are valid.

How Counselling can help

Counselling provides a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences, process emotions, and build strategies for resilience.

With thoughtful guidance, counselling can help you:

  • Understand and process the impact of trauma

  • Learn coping strategies for managing stress and triggers

  • Rebuild a sense of safety and trust in yourself and others

  • Strengthen emotional regulation and self-awareness

  • Restore a sense of confidence in daily life

Common approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Each approach is tailored to your unique needs and pace.