Online Therapy for
What happened to you does not have to define your future
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, whether a single incident or prolonged exposure. Trauma responses can affect daily life in different ways. NHS and NICE guidance describe assessment and treatment options that a qualified professional can discuss with you.
General information, not medical advice
This page is for general information and does not diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a GP or other qualified health professional. If symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or you are worried about your safety, seek appropriate medical or urgent support.
Signs and symptoms
You might be experiencing ptsd & trauma if you recognise any of the following:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares of the traumatic event
- Emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma
- Avoidance of reminders, thoughts, or feelings related to the trauma
- Negative changes in mood, beliefs, or feelings about yourself and the world
- Hypervigilance, feeling constantly on guard or unsafe
- Startle response, being easily startled by sounds or sudden movements
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Emotional numbing, detachment, or dissociation
What causes ptsd & trauma?
PTSD & Trauma is rarely caused by a single factor. Common contributing factors include:
- Single-incident trauma: accidents, assault, natural disasters, witnessing violence
- Complex PTSD from prolonged trauma: childhood abuse, domestic violence, war
- Emergency services, military, or frontline work exposure
- Sudden bereavement or traumatic loss
- Medical trauma: serious illness, surgery, or traumatic birth
How therapy can help
For complex or prolonged trauma especially, building safety and trust through ordinary talking therapy is usually the necessary first stage before any processing work begins, rushing straight to trauma-focused techniques without that foundation tends not to go well. From there, trauma-focused approaches such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT help you process traumatic memories safely, integrating them into your narrative rather than having them intrude involuntarily, and rebuild a sense of safety and control.
Therapeutic approaches we use
Trauma-Informed Talking Therapy
A foundational approach, especially for complex PTSD, building safety and trust first, before gradually working with traumatic material.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
A highly evidenced therapy where bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping) helps the brain process traumatic memories, reducing their distressing impact.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Processes trauma memories through gradual exposure while challenging the distorted thinking patterns (shame, blame, danger beliefs) that develop after trauma.
Somatic Approaches
Addresses the body's role in trauma, techniques that work with physical sensations, movement, and nervous system regulation alongside talking therapy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to relive my trauma in therapy?
Not in an uncontrolled way. Trauma-focused therapies are carefully designed to process traumatic memories safely, at your pace, with your therapist keeping you within a 'window of tolerance'.
What is Complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD can follow prolonged or repeated trauma and may include difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships alongside PTSD symptoms. Assessment and support should be tailored by a qualified professional.
Can online therapy work for trauma?
Some trauma therapies can be delivered remotely, but suitability depends on privacy, safety, symptoms, technology, and the clinician's training. An individual assessment is important.
I'm not sure what I went through counts as trauma. Should I seek help?
If something is affecting your mental health and quality of life, it counts. You don't need to have been in a war or disaster. Any experience that overwhelmed your capacity to cope deserves attention.
Content information and sources
Editorial status: Content checked against UK clinical guidance and NHS information. Reviewed . This is an editorial check; no named clinician is represented as having reviewed this page.
Authoritative UK sources relevant to this topic:
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