Trauma and PTSD
Understanding the lasting impact of distressing or overwhelming experiences
We accept referrals from various health insurances including:
What is Trauma and PTSD?
Trauma can develop following experiences that feel overwhelming, frightening, or threatening. This may include single events, such as accidents or assaults, or repeated experiences over time, such as childhood adversity or ongoing stress.
Post-traumatic stress can impact many areas of life, including mood, relationships, sleep, and overall sense of safety.
Panic attacks can feel particularly intense, often coming on suddenly and creating a strong fear of losing control or something serious happening. Over time, anxiety can lead to avoidance of situations, places, or activities, which can further reinforce the cycle.
Flexible ways to access support
In-clinic therapy
Calm, confidential setting in Jesmond, designed for comfort, privacy, and a reassuring experience
Online therapy
Flexible and accessible sessions delivered securely from your home environment
How trauma and PTSD develop
When an experience is overwhelming, the brain may not fully process it in the usual way. Instead of being stored as a past event, the memory can remain “active,” meaning it feels as though it is happening in the present.
For example:
Certain reminders may trigger intense emotional or physical reactions
Memories may feel vivid, intrusive, or difficult to control
The body may remain in a heightened state of alertness
Avoidance of reminders may develop, which can maintain the difficulty
These responses are understandable and are part of the body’s natural survival system, even if they no longer feel helpful.
Common experiences of trauma
People experiencing trauma or PTSD may notice:
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Feeling on edge, easily startled, or constantly alert
Avoidance of reminders of the experience
Emotional numbness or detachment
Difficulties with sleep or concentration
Strong emotional reactions, including fear, anger, or guilt
These experiences can vary and may change over time.
What therapy can help with
Therapy for trauma focuses on helping you safely process experiences and reduce their ongoing impact.
This may include:
Understanding how trauma affects the mind and body
Developing grounding and stabilisation skills
Processing traumatic memories at a manageable pace
Reducing avoidance and increasing a sense of control
The aim is not to remove the memory, but to change how it is experienced so that it feels less distressing and more in the past.
What to expect in therapy
Assessment and formulation
We begin by understanding your experiences, current difficulties, and what you would like to change.
Stabilisation and safety
Processing experiences
Integration and recovery
Therapy always progresses at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you.
Common misconceptions about trauma
“I should be over it by now”
Trauma responses are not a sign of weakness. They reflect how the brain and body respond to overwhelming experiences.
“Talking about it will make it worse”
Therapy is carefully paced and focused on safety. You are never expected to go further than feels manageable.
“It only counts as trauma if it was extreme”
Different people respond differently to experiences. What matters is how it has affected you.
Benefits of therapy for trauma
Therapy can help you to:
Feel less overwhelmed by memories or reminders
Reduce anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional distress
Improve sleep and concentration
Rebuild a sense of safety and control
Move forward without feeling defined by past experiences
Many people find that therapy allows them to feel more present and less affected by the past.
Our approach
At northeast psychology, we provide trauma-informed care that is:
Safe, supportive, and non-judgemental
Carefully paced and collaborative
Grounded in evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, CBT, and ACT
Focused on long-term recovery and stability
We understand that trauma work requires sensitivity and trust, and we prioritise creating a space where you feel supported throughout.
Is therapy right for you?
You may benefit from therapy if you:
Experience intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Feel constantly on edge or easily triggered
Avoid certain places, situations, or reminders
Feel that past experiences are still affecting your present
If you are unsure, we can help you explore whether this type of support is right for you.
Next steps
If you are considering support for trauma or PTSD, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide whether therapy feels right for you.