PTSD: Healing from Trauma Through Therapy

We live in a time where a plethora of information is available at the click of your keyboard. Often this information is confusing, complicated and contradictory. This article is intended to simplify the varied information surrounding PTSD and, hopefully, help you become more informed.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel like being trapped in the past, with memories, emotions, and reactions resurfacing long after the traumatic event has passed. It can disrupt daily life, relationships and overall well-being. However, with the right support, recovery is possible. Therapy provides a structured, safe space to process trauma and regain a sense of control.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it’s often associated with military veterans, PTSD can affect anyone who has endured overwhelming stress, including survivors of accidents, abuse, assault or bereavement.

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but for those who do, symptoms can persist for months or even years without treatment.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories:

1. Re-experiencing the Trauma

• Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts

• Intense emotional or physical distress when reminded of the trauma

• Feeling as though the event is happening all over again

“For years, I couldn’t escape my past. Flashbacks would hit me out of nowhere, making me feel like I was right back in that moment. A mindfulness-based approach in therapy gave me tools to break free from that cycle by learning to stay present.” – Sarah, Guildford

2. Avoidance and Numbing

• Avoiding places, people, or conversations that remind you of the trauma

• Emotional numbness or feeling detached from loved ones

• Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy

“I shut down completely after my accident. I avoided my friends, stopped driving, and ignored the problem. It wasn’t until I started therapy that I realised avoidance was controlling my life.” – Tom, Woking

3. Hyperarousal and Reactivity

• Constantly feeling on edge, jumpy, or easily startled

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Irritability, outbursts of anger, or reckless behaviour

4. Negative Thoughts and Mood Changes

• Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame

• Difficulty feeling positive emotions

• A sense of hopelessness about the future

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD develops in response to severe stress, but certain factors can make someone more vulnerable to it, including:

• The nature of the trauma – Prolonged or repeated trauma (such as abuse) often has a more lasting impact.

• Personal history – Previous trauma, childhood adversity, or existing mental health conditions can increase risk.

• Lack of support – Without a strong support system, processing trauma can be even more challenging.

How Therapy Helps PTSD Recovery

Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD. It helps individuals process their trauma, reframe unhelpful thoughts, and develop coping strategies to reduce distress.

Some of the most effective therapeutic approaches include:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) – Helps reprocess traumatic memories and challenge negative thought patterns.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – A specialised therapy that helps the brain process trauma differently, reducing emotional distress.

• Somatic Therapy – Focuses on how trauma is stored in the body and helps regulate the nervous system.

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Help individuals stay grounded in the present rather than being overwhelmed by past experiences.

“I was skeptical about therapy at first, but EMDR changed everything. My nightmares stopped, my anxiety eased, and I finally felt like myself again.” – Rachel, Farnham

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Living with PTSD can feel exhausting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy provides a space to feel heard, understood, and supported as you navigate recovery.

We have a wealth of well trained and experienced therapists at The Practice to help. Please feel free to contact us or call on 0333 0096 321 if you feel therapy can assist you.