Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma is not defined solely by what has happened to us, but by how those experiences have affected us. It can develop following a single distressing event, such as an accident, assault or bereavement, or it can arise from repeated experiences over time, including childhood adversity, neglect, bullying, emotional abuse, or living in an environment where we did not feel safe, understood or supported.

The impact of trauma can remain long after the event itself has passed. You may find yourself feeling constantly on edge, emotionally overwhelmed or disconnected from your feelings. Some people experience intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks, while others notice patterns of anxiety, low mood, shame, difficulties trusting others, or feeling as though they are simply surviving rather than living. Trauma can also affect the body, contributing to physical tension, fatigue and a persistent sense of threat, even when life feels objectively safe.

Therapy provides a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space to explore these experiences at a pace that feels manageable. Together, we work to understand how past experiences may continue to influence your thoughts, emotions, relationships and sense of self. An important part of therapy involves developing the emotional and physical resources needed to manage the lasting effects of trauma, helping you to feel safer within your mind and body, in your environment, and in your relationships with others. Rather than asking you to simply relive painful memories, therapy aims to help you process what has happened in a way that feels safe and contained, reducing the impact that trauma has on your everyday life. Over time, many people find that they are better able to understand themselves with compassion, build healthier relationships, and move forward with greater confidence, resilience and hope.

Trauma-informed therapy pays attention to safety, pacing, and the ways overwhelming experiences can continue to show up emotionally and physically. The focus is not on forcing disclosure, but on building understanding and capacity over time.

Therapy can help you notice patterns, make sense of protective responses, and explore what supports greater connection to yourself and others.

Suzy draws on EMDR, psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, and somatic awareness. This can include processing distressing memories, understanding relational patterns, developing practical ways to work with thoughts and feelings, and noticing body-based responses.

The work remains collaborative and led by what feels most important and manageable for you.