Trauma

Difficult or frightening experiences can stay with us long after they have ended. This might relate to a single event, or to experiences that happened over a longer period of time, including in childhood.

Start with a conversation

What it can feel like

Some people find that memories intrude when they do not want them to, through images, nightmares or a sudden sense of being back in the moment. Others feel constantly on alert, easily startled, or find themselves avoiding reminders of what happened.

Trauma can also affect how people feel about themselves and others. Feelings of shame, guilt, numbness or difficulty trusting people are common, and they can make sense in light of what someone has been through.

How therapy may help

Trauma-focused therapy aims to help the mind process what happened, so that memories become less intrusive and lose some of their emotional charge. It can also help with the beliefs and patterns that developed as a way of coping.

There are several evidence-based approaches for trauma. Your psychologist will talk them through with you and you will decide together what feels right.

How we work with this

We work carefully and at a pace that feels manageable. You do not need to tell us everything at once, and you will not be asked to talk about anything before you are ready. Early sessions often focus on understanding your experience and building ways to feel more steady.

Our Clinical Psychologists have experience of working with trauma across different settings and draw on approaches such as Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure and Compassion Focused Therapy.

If you’d like to talk it through

You don’t need to be sure this is the right page for you. The first step is the same whatever brings you here.

  1. Day one

    Get in touch

    A short online form

    Tell us a little about what you are looking for. A sentence or two is plenty; you don’t need to explain everything.

  2. Within two working days

    A 15-minute conversation

    Free, no obligation

    A relaxed call at a time that suits you, to talk through what is going on, ask questions and see whether Elementa feels like the right fit.

  3. When you’re ready

    Initial assessment

    50 minutes · £120

    A longer session with your psychologist to understand what has brought you here and what you would like to change. Afterwards, you receive a short written summary and a proposed plan.

  4. Then

    Ongoing therapy

    50-minute sessions · £120

    Regular online sessions, reviewed together as you go so the work stays focused on what matters to you.

Who you could work with

On the introductory call we’ll help you think about which of our Clinical Psychologists is best placed to support you.

  • Dr Abi Watkinson

    Clinical Psychologist

    I’m interested in how people make sense of what has happened to them. Therapy is often about finding a version of that story you can live with.

    Brings experience from adult, CAMHS and forensic services to thoughtful, collaborative work with adults.

  • Dr Laura Day

    Clinical Psychologist

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  • [Third founding psychologist]

    Clinical Psychologist

    [A sentence from the third psychologist, in their own words.]

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Start with a conversation

Send us a few lines and we’ll arrange a free 15-minute call at a time that suits you. You can ask anything, and there’s no obligation to continue.

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