Counselling for PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a psychological disorder associated with a serious traumatic event, such as a car crash, personal assaults (rape or abuse), and other life-threatening experiences. PTSD occurs when the mind is unable to process the thoughts, images and feelings relating to a traumatic event in a normal way so that thoughts and feelings associated with it continue to intrude into a person’s awareness long after the traumatic event is over, thereby affecting your mental health.

At The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group, we provide specialist PTSD counselling tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced therapists and psychologists use evidence-based approaches to help you process traumatic memories safely, reduce intrusive symptoms, and regain a sense of balance in your daily life. With compassionate support, we can help you move towards recovery and improve your overall wellbeing.

Who Can Benefit from Counselling for PTSD

If you are considering seeking professional support but are unsure if it is the right step, kindly provide answers to the following questions:

  • Are you re-experiencing the trauma in your dreams?
  • Are you having recurrent images and thoughts about the trauma (e.g. flashbacks)?
  • Do you have a general sense of numbness and a feeling of lack of involvement with the real world?
  • Do you feel guilty about having survived (especially if others have not)?
  • Is your sleep disturbed?
  • Are you startled easily?
  • Do you avoid reminders of the traumatic event?
  • Are you experiencing anxiety and/or depression since the trauma?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, you may benefit from our counselling services for PTSD.

Children may also exhibit physical symptoms, including stomach aches and headaches.

Symptoms usually occur within the first month of the traumatic event, but in 15% of cases, symptoms appear months or even years later.


View our live diary and book an appointment online.

PTSD Warning Signs

Common Signs You May Need Counselling for PTSD

PTSD can present in many ways, and recognising the signs is the first step towards seeking support. You may find yourself reliving traumatic experiences through flashbacks or nightmares, feeling constantly on edge, or avoiding people and places that remind you of the trauma. Emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, and sudden outbursts of anger are also common.

If these symptoms are interfering with your daily life, searching “PTSD therapist near me” and receiving professional support can help you regain control and start the process of healing.

 

The Emotional Impact of Living with PTSD

Living with PTSD can be overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling trapped by memories and emotions they cannot control. It often leads to feelings of fear, guilt, shame, or detachment, which can impact relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.

The emotional toll may also result in depression, anxiety, or substance misuse as coping mechanisms. Left untreated, PTSD can erode self-confidence and reduce quality of life. Counselling provides a safe space to process these emotions, offering strategies for recovery and emotional stability.

Supporting You

How Our PTSD Counselling Works

Step 1

You will begin your treatment by meeting with one of our therapists for an initial assessment, where they will ask you about the type of trauma that you have suffered. The amount of detail that you go into at this point is completely up to you, and you will not be asked to share information that you do not feel comfortable sharing.

Your PTSD therapist will also ask you about the impact that the trauma has had on you emotionally, your relationships and your commitments and responsibilities. You may also be asked some general questions about your life, health, background, and what you would like to achieve through your counselling.

Step 2

Next, your therapist will give you a brief outline of the treatment programme that they believe will best meet your specific requirements. This is to let you know what to expect and ensure you feel comfortable with what is to come. Effective treatments could include a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Step 3

As part of your PTSD therapy, you will learn about how our minds deal with traumatic events and why sometimes memories are stored in a way that causes them to resurface unexpectedly in daily life. This understanding will put you in the strongest position from which to treat your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Step 4

Your therapist will help you to identify the thoughts and behaviours that are exacerbating the anxiety and/or depression that surrounds the trauma you suffered. Then, they will work with you to create and replace these with alternatives that allow you to heal and move forward.

Find Your Best Course of Action

Why Choose The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group?

At The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group, we understand the complexities of PTSD and the unique challenges each individual faces. Our therapists and psychologists are highly trained in evidence-based approaches such as CBT and trauma-focused therapies, ensuring care that is both compassionate and effective. We tailor each treatment plan to your specific needs, offering support that promotes long-term recovery.

With 12 in-person clinics across London and online sessions available, we make expert PTSD counselling accessible, discreet, and focused on helping you move forward.

What to Expect After Completing Counselling for PTSD

Completing PTSD therapy in London or online is not just about reducing symptoms. It’s about rebuilding your life with resilience and confidence. Many people notice improvements in their mood, relationships, and ability to cope with stress. You may feel more in control of your emotions and better equipped to handle triggers without fear. While recovery is an ongoing journey, therapy provides tools that continue to support your wellbeing long after sessions end.

With the right guidance, a more positive, balanced future is possible.

Rebecca, East Dulwich

Prices

Explore our therapy prices and registered private health insurance providers.

Locations

We offer clinics in-person at 12 London locations and online worldwide.

CBT

We specialise in CBT. Learn its inner workings and what to expect from treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need counselling for PTSD?

If you continue to experience flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts linked to a traumatic event, and these symptoms are affecting your daily life, it may be helpful to seek PTSD therapy near me and you and obtain professional support. Consider taking one of our online tests. While they don’t provide an official diagnosis, they can help you determine if therapy is the right next step for you.

Counselling sessions provide a safe space to talk about your experiences at your own pace. Evidence-based therapies such as CBT and EMDR are often used to help reduce distress and build coping strategies.

The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and the severity of your symptoms. Some people benefit from short-term support, while others may require longer-term treatment.

Yes. Research shows that therapy can significantly reduce symptoms, improve daily functioning, and help individuals rebuild their confidence and wellbeing after trauma.

Yes, we offer both online and face-to-face counselling options. This flexibility ensures you can access support in the way that feels most comfortable for you.

More Reading On This Subject

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Should you wish to find out more about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder then please check out our PTSD-related blog articles here.

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