Trauma and PTSD Therapy in Tunbridge Wells
When the Past Won’t Stay in the Past
Traumatic experiences can leave lasting marks. While many people recover naturally after difficult events, sometimes the mind and body remain stuck - as if the trauma is still happening, even when you know it’s over.
At a glance
- EMDR and trauma-focused CBT recommended by NICE for PTSD
- Single-event trauma often improves within 8-12 sessions
- Therapy is carefully paced to keep you feeling safe
- Available online and in-person in Tunbridge Wells
Signs that trauma may be affecting you
Trauma responses are your mind and body's way of trying to protect you. They commonly show up in three ways:
Reliving
Intrusive memories that appear without warning. Nightmares that pull you back into the event. Flashbacks where you feel like you're there again.
Hypervigilance
Feeling constantly on edge, as if danger could appear at any moment. Difficulty relaxing. Being easily startled by sudden sounds or movements.
Avoidance
Steering clear of reminders: places, people, conversations, even thoughts and feelings connected to what happened. Emotional numbness or feeling detached.
Types of trauma we treat
PTSD
Develops after a single overwhelming event such as an accident, assault, medical emergency, or witnessing something traumatic. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance.
Complex PTSD
Emerges from prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly in childhood or in relationships where you should have been safe. Affects how you feel about yourself, relate to others, and manage emotions.
Childhood Trauma
Abuse, neglect, loss, or unstable caregiving in early life. These experiences can shape how you see yourself and the world, often without you realising the connection.
Medical Trauma
Traumatic hospital experiences, surgeries, diagnoses, or medical procedures. These can leave lasting distress, particularly when you felt helpless or in danger. Read more
Birth Trauma
Traumatic birth experiences including emergency interventions, loss of control, or fear for your life or your baby's. Can lead to postnatal PTSD. Read more
Domestic Abuse
Ongoing physical, emotional, or psychological abuse within a relationship. The impact often extends far beyond the relationship itself, affecting trust, self-worth, and safety.
Our approach to treatment
Trauma therapy requires skill, sensitivity, and careful pacing. Our Clinical Psychologists in Tunbridge Wells and Kent are trained in:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a NICE-recommended treatment that helps the brain process traumatic memories
- Trauma-Focused CBT to work with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that keep you stuck
- Compassion-Focused Therapy to address the shame and self-blame that often accompany trauma
- Schema Therapy for patterns that developed from early or repeated traumatic experiences
We always begin by establishing safety and stability. Processing trauma happens at your pace, with techniques to help you stay grounded and in control throughout.
What to expect from therapy
Free phone consultation
A brief, no-obligation call where we listen to what's been happening for you. We'll answer your questions and match you with a psychologist experienced in trauma.
Safety and stabilisation
Before processing any traumatic memories, we make sure you have the coping skills and grounding techniques you need to feel safe. This phase is about building a strong foundation.
Processing the trauma
Using EMDR or trauma-focused CBT, you'll work through the memories that are keeping you stuck. This happens at your pace, so you always feel in control of the process.
Integration and growth
As the emotional charge of memories reduces, you'll begin to feel freer. The final phase focuses on rebuilding confidence, strengthening relationships, and planning for the future.
Healing is possible
Trauma can make you feel broken or permanently damaged. But the brain has a remarkable capacity to heal. With the right treatment, traumatic memories can become part of your past rather than dominating your present.
Get in touchFrequently asked questions
What is PTSD and how is it different from trauma?
Trauma is the experience of a distressing event, while PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a specific condition that can develop after trauma. PTSD involves flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness lasting more than a month after the event.
How does EMDR help with trauma?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) helps the brain process traumatic memories that have become 'stuck'. Using bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, EMDR reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. It is recommended by NICE guidelines as a treatment for PTSD.
How long does trauma therapy take?
For single-event trauma, significant improvement is often seen within 8-12 sessions of EMDR or trauma-focused CBT. Complex trauma involving multiple experiences may require longer-term therapy. Your psychologist will discuss a personalised treatment plan at your assessment.
Our trauma specialists
Our HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists are trained in EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and other evidence-based approaches for trauma recovery.
Dr Chris Scane
Chris has specialist expertise in PTSD, complex PTSD, and dissociation. He works with adults affected by a wide range of traumatic experiences, drawing on CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic approaches.
Dr Natalia Dylewska
Natalia has a strong interest in relational trauma and complex PTSD. She is trained in EMDR and works with adults and young people, with a focus on the connection between mind and body.
Dr Brett Hayes
Brett works with PTSD, complex PTSD, flashbacks, and trauma-related anxiety. He uses CBT and EMDR, with over 10 years of experience across NHS and private settings.
Dr Jo Webber
Jo specialises in trauma work with children, young people, and parents. She is trained in EMDR and has 15 years of NHS experience, with particular expertise in family-based trauma therapy.
Dr Abbie Barnes
Abbie works with trauma, PTSD, and complex PTSD using CBT, EMDR, and compassion-focused approaches. She has a decade of experience across NHS mental and physical health settings.
Dr Catherine Lankester
Catherine works with PTSD, complex trauma, and dissociation. She uses CBT, CFT, and ACT, and has experience supporting adults with trauma across a range of NHS settings.
