PTSD & Trauma Therapy in Stourbridge & Online UK-wide

 

What single incident PTSD and trauma-related difficulties are 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can follow exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence—whether directly, as a witness, or through repeated exposure (e.g., frontline roles). Core features are intrusions (flashbacks, nightmares, sensory fragments), avoidance of reminders, negative alterations in mood and beliefs (guilt, shame, detachment), and hyperarousal (sleep problems, startle, irritability). 

 

Some people meet criteria for Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)—typically after prolonged or repeated trauma—where difficulties with emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships are more prominent. You can read more about an appropriate treatment for C-PTSD here.

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What this feels like (common presentations)

• Unwanted & Intrusive memories, vivid sensory fragments, nightmares, or sudden “time-travel” flashbacks.

• Feeling constantly on edge, scanning rooms/exits, poor sleep, concentration difficulties.

• Avoiding people, places, media, or conversations that trigger memories.

• Guilt, shame, anger, or a collapsed sense of trust in ones self or others.

• Numbness or emotional “shut-down,” difficulty connecting with partners/family.

• For some, moral injury themes: distress from actions/inactions or perceived betrayals that conflict with ones core moral values.

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Why PTSD persists (the maintenance loop)

Avoidance and control strategies bring short-term relief but block memory processing and reinforce threat appraisals (“I can’t handle this”). Over time, the nervous system stays mobilised; life narrows around safety behaviours. Effective treatment helps you approach safely and flexibly, so the memory can update and the threat system can stand down.

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The plan: phased, evidence-based therapy (what we’ll do)

Evidence-based treatments include Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and EMDR, often supported by ACT or CFT consistent skills that help us to manage difficult experiences whilst doing more of what matters to you in your life. Treatment is typically phased: stabilisation and safety → trauma processing → consolidation and reconnection, where we move through stages of building new skills to manage difficult thoughts and feelings, processing painful and distressing memories, and actively move to taking steps to reconnect with meaning and purpose in important areas of your life, which PTSD often interferes with.

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Format: Weekly 60-minute sessions (Stourbridge or online UK-wide).

Intensive EMDR blocks available on request where clinically suitable.

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What changes (realistic outcomes)

• Intrusions reduce in frequency and intensity.

• Better sleep and concentration; startle and irritability settle.

• Shame/guilt appraisals update; self-trust and agency increase.

• Avoided activities resume; relationships feel possible again.

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Fees & logistics

• Individual therapy: £125 per 60-minute session

• Location: Stourbridge (West Midlands) & online across the UK

• Availability: Daytime and limited early evenings

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FAQs

• Do I have to tell my story in detail?
  Not necessarily. EMDR can work with minimal verbal detail; TF-CBT uses targeted imaginal work. We choose the approach that fits you and your goals but you will never be forced to do more than you are willing or able to do.

• What if I dissociate or get overwhelmed?
  We install grounding and pacing strategies first and keep exposures tolerable. The goal is engagement, not white-knuckle endurance.

• How long does therapy take?
  It varies. Many single-event PTSD cases see strong gains within 12 sessions of focused work; complex histories usually take longer with more time in stabilisation and reconnection.

• Is medication required?
  Not required. Some people benefit from medication alongside therapy—I don't prescribe but I encourage you to speak with your GP about your options.

• What’s the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD?
  C-PTSD includes PTSD symptoms plus persistent problems with emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships. Treatment remains phased, with proportionally more time on stabilisation and relational work.

• I have an ongoing legal/occupational process—can we still treat?
  Yes, with care. We’ll plan around evidential requirements and timing, balancing symptom relief with any medico-legal constraints.

• Do you work with veterans or frontline professionals?
  Yes—my NHS background includes specialist complex treatment service and I served as a uniformed clinician in the British Armed forces, so have substantial experience in this area. Therapy remains individualised and not limited to any one population.

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Next Steps:

Enquire about availability for face to face appointments in Stourbridge.

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If you would prefer online sessions, you can learn more by clicking the button below