Trauma
Trauma & Childhood Trauma
Trauma can come from many different experiences. It may be something that happened once, or experiences that continued over months or years. Sometimes trauma begins in childhood and we do not fully recognise its impact until much later in life.
Trauma can include childhood abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, physical or emotional abuse, domestic abuse, coercive or controlling relationships, bullying, abandonment, bereavement, witnessing violence, difficult family relationships or growing up in an environment where you did not feel safe, heard or protected.
Not everyone who has experienced trauma will respond in the same way. You might experience anxiety, low mood, anger, shame, difficulties trusting people, problems in relationships, upsetting memories, feeling constantly on edge or feeling disconnected from yourself and others.
Sometimes the impact is less obvious. You may notice patterns such as people-pleasing, shutting down, struggling with boundaries, needing to feel in control or using alcohol, substances, food or other behaviours to cope with difficult feelings.
Counselling can help you begin to understand what happened to you, how it may still be affecting you today and why some of the ways you learned to cope were needed at the time. We work gently and at your pace. You do not have to talk about anything before you feel ready.
Experience that informs my work
My approach is shaped by over 20 years' combined experience across NHS, criminal justice, education, addiction and community settings. I've supported adults and young people whose lives have been affected by trauma, difficult childhood experiences, abuse, relationships and different ways of coping.
If you need urgent support
Evoak Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or need immediate mental health support, please seek urgent help.
You can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, contact your GP or attend your nearest A&E. If there is an immediate danger to life, call 999. Samaritans are also available free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.
