Post-traumatic stress disorder

Some people who experience or witness a traumatic event go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

During a traumatic experience, a person might feel intense fear, helplessness, anxiety or horror. These are normal reactions but in people who develop PTSD, these feelings recur long after the original traumatic event has passed.

An experience that is traumatic for one person may be less traumatic for another. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD; research suggests about 30% do. The condition can occur at any age. Some people are more likely to develop PTSD. For example, the condition is more common in women than in men.

Experiences that may lead to PTSD include: 

  • war
  • terrorism
  • natural disasters
  • abuse
  • complications of childbirth
  • serious road accidents
  • witnessing a death.

In some people PTSD develops immediately after the trauma, while in others the symptoms first appear several months, or even years, after the traumatic experience.

Common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder

People with PTSD typically experience:

  • recurring distressing memories
  • vivid flashbacks or images of the traumatic event
  • dreams and intrusive thoughts about the traumatic experience.
They may also describe:
  • avoiding anything that can trigger memories of the trauma
  • feeling emotionally numb
  • feeling detached from other people
  • difficulty expressing affection
  • pessimistic feelings about the future
  • problems sleeping 
  • poor focus on everyday tasks
  • feeling unsafe, even in places that felt safe before the traumatic event
  • increased general anxiety or hypervigilance
  • irritable or aggressive behaviour
  • problems trusting other people
  • depression.

Client Reviews

Treatment options for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be effectively treated with talking therapy, sometimes accompanied by medication. It is important to work with a therapist experienced in trauma; many of our therapists have further training in this area. Some are also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing), a type of therapy that has been shown to be particularly effective in some cases of PTSD.

In trauma therapy, we are careful to go at your pace. Rushing the process can make things worse, so we never push you to talk about anything before you are ready. Discussions in therapy are confidential, between you and your therapist.

Although your memories of the traumatic event will never disappear completely, with therapy they become less persistent and troublesome. Difficult emotions and other symptoms you are experiencing will reduce, leaving you better able to lead your life as you want to.

We know it can be daunting to start therapy, but our warm and empathic counsellors will put you at ease. The initial consultation is an opportunity for you to find out more and decide if you want to continue with therapy. There’s no pressure. If the counsellor you meet for your initial consultation doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, they will be happy to refer you to a colleague. 

To take the next step towards overcoming your PTSD, contact us or book online.

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Our therapists

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One Therapy London

Counselling, psychotherapy, couples counselling in London since 2006

Roz Urquhart

Roz is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, who offers both long- and short-term psychotherapy She works with a varied client group offering a welcoming, safe and confidential therapeutic space in which to help her clients explore and process the issues that are bringing them into therapy Roz supports her clients to focus on unconscious processes, inner conflicts and...

Oxford Circus

Natasha Maidment

Natasha is a person–centred counsellor and psychotherapist who will provide you with a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space to explore any thoughts or concerns you wish to bring She works with a range of issues including anxiety, stress, critical thoughts, trauma, relationship issues, identity, depression, loss and low self-esteem Natasha offers a...

Oxford Circus

Yussef Ferguson

Yussef is a psychodynamic psychotherapist who offers both long and short term personal therapy to individuals He has experience of working with a diverse range of clients and can provide a warm, confidential space to explore and gain insight into any past or present personal difficulties and experiences Yussef works with issues such as anxiety, depression, loss,...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Rhiannon Whipps
Rhiannon Whipps

Rhiannon is a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist with over ten years experience of working within the field of mental health Rhiannon provides an empathic and non-judgemental therapeutic space for her clients to explore any difficulties which they may be facing Within the safety of a confidential environment, she encourages her clients to openly explore...

Soho

Therapist Stamatia Lorentzou
Stamatia Lorentzou

Stamatia draws on a broad range of theories of psychotherapy She works collaboratively with her clients to understand the causes of their concern and find ways to move forward Stamatia offers both short-term and longer-term therapy She has worked in various organisational settings with individuals seeking to address relationship issues, low self esteem, separation,...

Bloomsbury

Therapist Barbara Perini
Barbara Perini

Barbara is an accredited member of BACP, holding an MSc in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and adhering to the BACP ethical framework Her approach is open-ended, offering both short-term and long-term therapy Barbara has also trained in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), a short-term (16 sessions), semi-structured individual therapy developed for mood...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Catherine Hammett
Catherine Hammett

Catherine offers a safe, confidential space for clients bringing a wide range of issues to therapy  These include anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anger and work-related stress  Catherine also supports clients experiencing depression, bereavement and life transitions  Among her specialist interests are post-traumatic growth and working with adult...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Evan Bates
Evan Bates

Evan is a psychodynamic therapist, offering both long and short term therapy He creates a non-judgemental and reflective space to help clients explore their difficulties and concerns Working together to understand the connections between past and current relationships, Evan supports clients in developing a deeper awareness of their recurring emotional patterns and further...

Soho

Therapist Mita Hiremath
Mita Hiremath

Mita has been involved in the field of counselling and psychotherapy for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience working in the voluntary sector, the NHS and private practice She is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist Additionally, she holds an MSc in Psychotherapy and is a trained EMDR therapist She has also facilitated support groups in the voluntary...

Bloomsbury

Therapist Silvi Naskinova
Silvi Naskinova

Silvi is a psychodynamic psychotherapist offering both long- and short-term therapy  She aims to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for her clients to explore whatever is on their minds Her work helps individuals understand how their experiences (both past and present) and any unconscious forces might be impacting their relationships and ways of coping...

Oxford Circus