Counselling for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) in Berkhamsted

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a deeply distressing and often misunderstood condition. While we often associate PTSD with soldiers returning from war, it can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event from a serious accident or sudden loss, to childhood neglect or abuse.

 

What is PTSD?

PTSD can develop when a person’s natural coping capacity is overwhelmed. The nervous system gets stuck in a state of high alert or deep freeze, long after the threat has passed. Common symptoms include:

 

- Intrusive memories or flashbacks

- Nightmares and sleep disturbances

- Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled

- Emotional numbness or disconnection from loved ones

- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

- Difficulties with concentration and mood

 

These symptoms are not signs of weakness — they are natural survival responses that have become stuck.

 

How counselling can help

Working with PTSD requires careful, steady, and trauma-informed support. Therapy can help you:

- Feel safer in your body: Many people with PTSD feel disconnected from their physical sensations. Counselling helps you gently reconnect and re-establish a sense of safety.

- Process traumatic memories: Therapy allows you to gradually approach and integrate traumatic memories, rather than being overwhelmed by them.

- Regulate your nervous system: You can learn practical skills to manage flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional flooding.

- Reconnect with yourself and others: Trauma often disrupts our ability to feel close to others. Counselling supports rebuilding trust and connection.

 

My approach

My work integrates different therapeutic approaches, including counselling, cognitive hypnotherapy, and often acupuncture. I work slowly and collaboratively, respecting your pace and your unique story and tailor how I work to every person.

In my practice, I pay close attention to how trauma lives in the body as well as in thoughts and feelings. You won't be pushed to talk about details before you're ready, safety and trust come first.

 

If you’re considering support

Deciding to seek help can feel daunting, especially if you’ve felt alone with these experiences for a long time. You don’t have to face PTSD alone.

If you'd like to explore whether working together might help, feel free to get in touch. You can ask questions or book an initial session and go from there.