Trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on both the mind and body, often leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unable to trust themselves or others. In the UK, trauma is increasingly recognised as a significant public health concern, with one in three people experiencing some form of trauma in their lifetime, whether through a single distressing event like an accident or assault or prolonged exposure to adverse experiences such as abuse, domestic violence, or neglect. Trauma can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, emotional numbness, heightened anxiety, hyper-vigilance, or difficulty forming or maintaining relationships. For some, this may lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects approximately 4% of the UK population annually.
Unresolved trauma often impacts not just mental health but also physical well-being, contributing to issues such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and weakened immunity due to the body’s prolonged stress response. Trauma-informed care recognises the importance of understanding the connection between trauma and its physical, emotional, and behavioural outcomes. In therapy, a safe and non-judgmental environment allows individuals to explore and process their experiences at their own pace.
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based treatment recommended by NICE, supports individuals in identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthier coping strategies. Alongside CBT, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another widely used, NICE-recommended approach in the UK, proven highly effective in alleviating trauma-related symptoms. These therapies are often enhanced by mindfulness practices, grounding techniques, and psychoeducation, providing clients with a deeper understanding of their responses to trauma.
Trauma therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it is carefully tailored to address each individual’s unique experiences, whether related to childhood trauma, complex trauma, or single-event trauma. The ultimate goal is to empower clients to regain a sense of safety and control, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with themselves and others. With professional support and evidence-based interventions, recovery is not only possible but achievable—allowing individuals to move forward with renewed hope, resilience, and freedom from the weight of past experiences.
