EMDR therapy and counselling for trauma and PTSD
Most of us reach a point where things feel too heavy to carry alone and start to wonder whether counselling might help. This guide walks through what counselling actually involves, and the signs that it could be worth exploring for you.
Counselling is a space to talk things through with someone trained to listen, without judgement, bias or an agenda of their own. In our sessions I'll reflect back what I hear, help you notice patterns and share insights when they might be useful. Think of it as borrowing someone else's perspective when your own feels too close to the problem to see clearly.
The goal isn’t for me to tell you what to do, but to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself. The more clearly you can recognise your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, the easier it becomes to make sense of your experiences, find solutions and make choices that feel right for you. Developing greater self-awareness can also help you untangle the beliefs and values you have carried throughout your life, so you can begin to recognise which are genuinely your own and those that have been imposed on you or shaped by family, culture or circumstance.
You are the expert on your own life. Yet during times of challenge, stress or trauma it can be difficult to access that sense of knowing. When panic and overwhelm take over, counselling can offer a safe space to slow things down, gain clarity over what you are experiencing and find your way back to a greater sense of calm. Whatever you bring into the room, you will be met with warmth, respect and unconditional positive regard.
I work with a wide range of issues and have a specialist interest in helping people to heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression. You are free to explore any issues you are struggling with, no matter how big or small. Without realising, you will quietly begin to develop inner strength, resources and instinct which will enable you to find a way forward and make the changes you desire.
If you’re asking yourself this question, then you probably already know the answer. And if you’re second-guessing yourself, it’s worth remembering that you don’t need a diagnosed mental health condition to seek counselling. Therapy can be a form of self-care. A space to address difficulties before they become overwhelming, understand yourself more deeply and respond to yourself with greater compassion. Seeking support early can be preventative, helping you navigate challenges before they begin to significantly affect your wellbeing.
Only you know if things feel right. And only you can decide to prioritise your own care.
Finding the right counsellor can feel like a daunting task. There are so many therapists, approaches and different ways of working that knowing where to start can be difficult, particularly if you're already feeling overwhelmed or unsure about reaching out for support.
Counselling works best when you feel safe, understood and comfortable with the person you are working with. If you’re unsure what to look for in a therapist, my guide on how to choose the right therapist explores some of the things you may want to consider when making that decision. The right therapist isn’t necessarily the one with the longest list of qualifications or the most experience. More importantly, it’s someone whose way of working feels like a good fit for you, your needs and what you hope to get from therapy.
For further guidance on finding the right therapist, the BACP offers a directory of registered therapists, along with independent advice on what to look for and how to check a therapist's credentials. If you’re considering counselling and would like to explore whether my approach could be a good fit for you, I’m a BACP accredited counsellor and experienced practitioner of EMDR, a trauma-focused therapy with a strong evidence base for helping to reduce the impact of trauma and PTSD.
Based in Leeds, I offer counselling both in person and online via video call, giving you the flexibility to choose the way of working that feels most comfortable for you. If you’d like to learn more about me, my journey into counselling and the way I work, you can read more about me.
Hopefully you now have some clarity around the question 'do I need counselling?' and feel ready to take the next step. If so I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to book an initial consultation. We can talk about what you're experiencing, what you'd like support with, and whether therapy with me feels like the right option for you.
