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.

Our clients have reported great results!

Mr K
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“I was attending sessions at One Therapy practice for about 1 1/2 years. I am very happy with the result, sessions there really helped me. I am really grateful to my therapist. Someone recommended him to me as a high professional and it proved right, thank you.”
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“I can only provide positive comments on my sessions with (my therapist). This was my first experience with a therapist, and she managed to make me feel comfortable. And I must say that the sessions were helpful and efficient.”
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“My therapist was extremely helpful, considerate and understanding. I felt she properly understood what the issues I had were, and their underlying causes, and I feel I benefited considerably from the sessions with her.”
Mrs N
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“I immediately felt completely at ease as they were very professional while showing genuine care and interest in helping me. I was able to confront many issues which I had so far chosen to ignore despite their negative effects on my personal relationships and happiness. I would have no hesitation in recommending (One Therapy) to anyone looking to improve their relationships and self-esteem.”
Mrs L
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“I learned a lot about myself and about the relationships I make with other people. I was able to see where I was going wrong and I now make better personal choices. Thank you, again.”
Mrs R
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“I can’t thank you enough for the help and support I got from my appointments. I would highly recommend therapy to anyone now. Therapy helped me in more ways than I could have imagined. Please tell (my therapist) how grateful I am for her help.”

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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Counselling for individuals

Personal counselling can be about anything that is on your mind.

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Couples counselling

Couples counselling provides space for couples to discuss problems in their relationship and find solutions.

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Our therapists

We have over 30 qualified and experienced therapists to choose from.

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One Therapy London

Counselling, psychotherapy, couples counselling in London since 2006

Gregory Hamlin - Therapist
Gregory Hamlin

Gregory is a psychodynamic therapist offering both short-term and long -term therapy to individuals He appreciates how difficult it can be to seek help and therefore places great importance on creating a warm, empathic and safe space for clients to explore whatever is on their minds Gregory helps individuals uncover and understand the underlying patterns that shape...

Oxford Circus

Paula Broome - Therapist
Paula Broome

Paula is a popular integrative therapist who understands that the client-therapist alliance is paramount Providing a place of safety and empowerment, she supports clients living with anxiety and depression, and has extensive training in neurodivergence and disability, including supporting clients with long-term health conditions As well as her private practice, Paula...

Oxford Circus

Aaron McGuinness - Therapist
Aaron McGuinness

Aaron offers a psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy which emphasises the unconscious mind and its influence on clients’ behaviour It often involves exploring past experiences and their impact on present-day thoughts and feelings Aaron creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can express themselves freely without fear of judgment Aaron is open to...

Oxford Circus

Kensington

Lara Vasey

Lara is an integrative therapist who offers short- and longer-term therapy to individuals Starting therapy can feel daunting, but Lara’s warm demeanour helps her clients feel more comfortable She creates a confidential and non-judgemental environment, which enables her clients to open up about their thoughts, feelings and experiences With empathy and curiosity, her...

Kensington

Jayne Levy - Therapist
Jayne Levy

Jayne has a gentle and empathic approach, allowing clients to feel comfortable and relaxed as they begin therapy She offers a non-judgmental and confidential space where clients are safe to express their feelings and thoughts and explore some of the difficulties and challenges they may be experiencing As a humanistic integrative therapist, Jayne is guided by her...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Toulla Nicolaides
Toulla Nicolaides

Toulla is an integrative relational therapist using a combination of therapeutic approaches to help her clients She provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their difficulties in life, relationships and childhood and to share and resolve confusing and overwhelming feelings Toulla believes that, though challenging, therapy can help clients...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Marta Pisarri
Marta Pisarri

Marta is a psychologist and an integrative psychotherapist: she has been working in the field of mental health for over 12 years in both private and public sectors She provides psychotherapeutic support to individuals and families Marta provides individual therapy for those who struggle to manage life's challenges, want to improve their relationships, discard thoughts...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Natasha Maidment
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

Therapist Yussef Ferguson
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 Stamatia Lorentzou
Stamatia Lorentzou

A senior therapist, Stamatia has been with One Therapy London for many years She holds a doctorate in counselling psychology and is a registered psychotherapist Stamatia knows it can be difficult to understand or cope with the strong feelings that life’s experiences can sometimes bring Talking with an experienced therapist is a way of thinking things through and...

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