Trauma & Dissociation

Trauma occurs when overwhelming experiences exceed our natural capacity to cope, leaving lasting impacts on how we think, feel, and navigate the world. When these responses persist and significantly interfere with daily functioning, this may indicate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or dissociative disorders.

With the right support, you can learn to manage these reactions and regain control over your life.

What is trauma?

Trauma is deeply personal and individual. While people often think of trauma in terms of major events, it can actually result from any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope:

  • Single incident trauma:
    Motor vehicle accidents, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, witnessing violence
  • Ongoing or repeated trauma:
    Emotional neglect, persistent criticism, bullying, relationship betrayal, medical procedures
  • Complex trauma:
    Repeated experiences over time, particularly in childhood
  • Developmental trauma:
    Early disruptions in attachment and safety
  • Vicarious trauma:
    Exposure to others’ traumatic experiences (common in helping professions)
  • Cultural or historical trauma:
    Experiences related to discrimination, migration, or generational trauma

What matters isn’t the “size” of the event, but how it affected you. Your response to trauma is valid regardless of whether others might consider the experience “traumatic enough.”

PTSD symptoms include:

  • Vivid flashbacks or intrusive memories
  • Distressing nightmares or sleep disturbances
  • Avoiding trauma-related places, people, or activities
  • Persistent negative beliefs about yourself or the world
  • Being easily startled or constantly on edge
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Dissociative responses may involve:

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself or your surroundings
  • Memory gaps or periods of lost time
  • Feeling like you’re watching yourself from outside your body
  • Sense that things around you are unreal or dreamlike
  • Identity confusion or feeling like different parts of yourself
  • Emotional numbing or feeling detached from your emotions

How I can help

Specialising in trauma recovery, I provide evidence-based treatments in a safe, non-judgmental environment where healing can occur at your own pace.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps your brain process traumatic memories in a new way, reducing their emotional intensity so you can recall events without being overwhelmed. Integrative approaches incorporating mindfulness, grounding techniques, and emotional regulation skills help you rebuild your sense of safety and personal agency.

Together, we’ll develop practical coping strategies and work collaboratively towards your recovery goals.