Trauma Therapy

Distressing or overwhelming events from our past can cast long, exhausting shadows over our present well-being. Trauma isn't just about what happened to us; it is about how those events remain trapped within our nervous system, deeply shaping how we feel, think, and interact with the world today.

If you are experiencing intrusive memories, hyper-vigilance, emotional numbness, or a persistent feeling that you are never truly safe, please know that your mind and body are simply trying to process a heavy weight. You do not have to carry it all on your own.

At Taking Strides Counselling, I offer a dedicated, holding, and secure space at my physical practice on Upper Church Road in Weston-super-Mare. Together, we can work to help you untangle complex emotional blockages, gently process your experiences, and rediscover a sense of internal safety - completely at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

A Gentle, Person-Centred Approach to Trauma Support

Reliving a painful past can feel terrifying. Because of this, my approach to trauma therapy is deeply rooted in humanistic, person-centred care. This means I will never force you to speak about things you aren't ready to share, nor will I look to analyse or diagnose you with rigid clinical checklists.

Instead, we work collaboratively to establish a baseline of grounding and trust. Once you feel emotionally supported, we can slowly begin exploring how your past is showing up in your present, working through challenges such as:

• Post-Traumatic Stress & Flashbacks: Finding yourself suddenly pulled back into the emotional or physical intensity of a past event.
• Childhood or Developmental Trauma: Processing long-standing emotional wounds, neglect, or complex family dynamics that impact your adulthood boundaries.
• Hyper-Awareness & Anxiety: Feeling constantly "on guard," highly jumpy, or living with an underlying buzz of physical tension you cannot turn off.
• Emotional Disconnection: Navigating a sense of feeling entirely detached, flat, or empty as a way to shield yourself from distress.

Whether you choose to meet face-to-face in the calm environment of my quiet Somerset practice room, or access secure online video therapy via Microsoft Teams from anywhere across the UK, your safety and clinical autonomy remain my absolute priorities.

Your Space to Pause and Heal

Reaching out for trauma support requires immense bravery, and I am committed to meeting you with the utmost compassion, transparency, and respect. I am a degree-qualified counsellor and a registered member of both the BACP and the NCPS, ensuring that all our therapeutic work is held to the highest legal, ethical, and professional standards.