At Nightingale Counselling, we provide confidential trauma counselling in Glasgow and online across the UK. Our experienced counsellors work with people who have experienced a wide range of traumatic experiences, helping you understand what has happened, manage difficult symptoms and gradually move towards recovery.
You don’t have to deal with the effects of trauma alone.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
How Can Trauma Affect You?
Trauma is not limited to one particular type of experience. It can occur following a single event, such as an accident or assault, or develop following repeated or prolonged experiences such as childhood abuse, neglect or domestic abuse.
People can respond to trauma in very different ways. You may feel overwhelmed by memories of what happened, while someone else may feel emotionally numb or disconnected from their feelings.
Trauma can affect your emotional wellbeing, relationships, behaviour and physical health. You may notice changes immediately after an event, or difficulties may emerge months or even years later.
You might experience:
- Anxiety or persistent fear
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Feeling constantly on alert or easily startled
- Avoiding people, places or situations that remind you of what happened
- Anger, irritability or mood changes
- Feelings of guilt, shame or self-blame
- Low mood or hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Difficulty trusting other people
- Problems with relationships or intimacy
- Physical tension and feeling unable to relax
If these experiences are affecting your everyday life, relationships or sense of wellbeing, trauma counselling may be able to help.
What Can Trauma Counselling Help With?
Our trauma counsellors can support adults who are experiencing difficulties following traumatic or distressing experiences.
This may include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop following a frightening, distressing or traumatic event. Symptoms can include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, heightened alertness and changes in mood or beliefs about yourself or the world.
PTSD can develop soon after an event or many years later. It can also occur following experiences that happened during childhood.
Complex Trauma and CPTSD
Some people experience trauma repeatedly or over a prolonged period, particularly during childhood or within relationships where they should have felt safe.
This can sometimes result in complex trauma or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Alongside symptoms associated with PTSD, people may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships, self-worth and feeling safe.
Childhood Trauma
Experiences during childhood can continue to affect us into adulthood. Childhood abuse, neglect, loss, bullying, family difficulties or other adverse experiences can influence how we see ourselves, relationships and the world around us.
Trauma counselling can provide a safe space to explore these experiences and understand how they may be affecting you today.
Trauma Following an Accident, Assault or Other Event
Trauma can follow a single distressing event such as a road traffic accident, physical assault, sexual assault, bereavement or another frightening experience.
Even when you feel that you “should” have moved on, you may still be experiencing emotional or physical reactions to what happened.
Types of Trauma We Can Help With
Trauma can take many forms. You may seek trauma counselling following:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Domestic abuse
- A serious accident
- A road traffic accident
- Bereavement or sudden loss
- Bullying
- Witnessing a traumatic event
- Medical trauma
- Relationship trauma
- Repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences
- Other experiences that have left you feeling frightened, unsafe or overwhelmed
You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis of PTSD to seek support. If something has happened to you and you are finding it difficult to cope with the emotional impact, counselling can provide an opportunity to explore what you are experiencing.
Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can affect both your mind and body.
Some people experience intrusive thoughts, memories or nightmares about what happened. Others may avoid reminders of the event or find themselves constantly looking out for danger.
You may also notice changes in your emotions, relationships or behaviour.
Emotional and psychological symptoms
- Anxiety and fear
- Anger or irritability
- Guilt and shame
- Sadness or low mood
- Feeling helpless
- Emotional numbness
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or other people
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Being easily startled
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Racing heartbeat
- Physical discomfort or unexplained aches and pains
Not everyone experiences trauma in the same way. Your symptoms may also change over time.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is related to trauma, our initial assessment can help you explore your difficulties and consider what type of support may be most appropriate.
How Does Trauma Counselling Work?
Trauma counselling is not about forcing you to talk about everything that has happened before you are ready.
The first priority is creating a sense of safety and understanding what you need from therapy. Your counsellor will work with you to understand your experiences, current symptoms and goals before developing an approach that is appropriate for you.
Depending on your individual circumstances, therapy may involve:
- Understanding how trauma can affect thoughts, emotions and behaviour
- Identifying triggers and patterns that may be maintaining your symptoms
- Developing strategies to manage anxiety and emotional distress
- Learning techniques to help you feel safer and more grounded
- Exploring unhelpful beliefs associated with the traumatic experience
- Processing traumatic memories when you are ready
- Developing healthier coping strategies
- Building confidence and reconnecting with everyday life
- Working towards improved relationships and emotional wellbeing
Your treatment will be tailored to your circumstances rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR
Different therapeutic approaches can be used when working with trauma and PTSD. The most appropriate approach will depend on your symptoms, history, circumstances and treatment goals.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach used to help people experiencing PTSD. It can help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and address patterns such as avoidance and unhelpful beliefs associated with trauma.
Nightingale has experienced CBT practitioners who can assess whether this approach may be appropriate for you.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another established psychological therapy used to help people process traumatic memories.
EMDR uses a structured approach involving bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or other forms of stimulation, while working with memories, thoughts, emotions and physical sensations associated with trauma.
You can find out more about our approach on our EMDR page.
The NHS recognises both trauma-focused CBT and EMDR as treatments that can be used for PTSD. (NHS Inform)
What Happens in Your First Trauma Counselling Session?
Starting counselling can feel daunting, particularly if your reason for seeking help involves something painful or difficult to talk about.
Your first session is an opportunity for your counsellor to understand what you have been experiencing and what you would like to achieve from therapy.
You will have the opportunity to discuss:
- What has brought you to counselling
- How your experiences are affecting you now
- Any symptoms or difficulties you are experiencing
- What you would like to change
- Your previous experiences of counselling or therapy
- What type of support may be most appropriate
You will not be expected to disclose everything immediately. Trauma therapy should take place at a pace that feels manageable and appropriate for you.
At Nightingale, our initial assessment process is designed to help us understand your individual needs and match you with an appropriate practitioner and therapeutic approach.
Trauma Counselling in Glasgow and Online
Nightingale Counselling provides trauma counselling in Glasgow as well as online counselling for clients across the UK.
Our Glasgow consulting rooms are based in the city centre, with additional locations available in Newton Mearns and Glasgow Southside. Online sessions can provide a convenient alternative if travelling to an appointment is difficult or you would prefer to receive therapy from home.
We understand that privacy and feeling comfortable with your therapist are particularly important when discussing traumatic experiences.
Our aim is to provide a calm, confidential and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly and work towards recovery.
Why Choose Nightingale for Trauma Counselling?
At Nightingale Counselling, we understand that trauma affects everyone differently. Our approach is centred around finding the right therapist and therapeutic approach for your individual circumstances.
Experienced therapists
Our team includes professionally qualified counsellors and therapists with experience across a range of therapeutic approaches.
Individualised treatment
We don’t believe that one approach works for everyone. Your treatment will be shaped around your needs, experiences and goals.
Evidence-based approaches
Where appropriate, our therapists may use approaches such as CBT and EMDR when working with trauma-related difficulties.
Glasgow and online appointments
We offer face-to-face counselling in Glasgow alongside online appointments for clients across the UK.
A confidential and supportive environment
We understand that talking about trauma can feel difficult. Our aim is to provide a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space in which you can work through your experiences at a manageable pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Counselling
What is trauma counselling?
Trauma counselling is a form of psychological therapy that can help people understand and manage the emotional, psychological and physical effects of traumatic experiences. It can be used following a single traumatic event or prolonged and repeated trauma.
Can counselling help with PTSD?
Yes. Psychological therapies including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR can be used to treat PTSD. The most appropriate treatment will depend on your individual symptoms, circumstances and needs. (NHS Inform)
Do I have to talk about my trauma?
Not necessarily straight away. A trauma-informed approach should take your readiness and sense of safety into account. Your counsellor will work with you to establish an appropriate pace for therapy.
Can trauma affect you years later?
Yes. Trauma-related symptoms can develop or become more noticeable long after an event has happened. PTSD can also develop many years after a traumatic experience. (NHS Inform)
What is the difference between trauma and PTSD?
Trauma describes the psychological impact of a distressing or overwhelming experience. PTSD is a specific mental health condition that can develop following trauma and involves a particular pattern of symptoms.
You can experience the effects of trauma without having a diagnosis of PTSD.
Can EMDR help with trauma?
EMDR is an established psychological therapy used to help people process traumatic memories and is recommended as a treatment option for PTSD. Whether EMDR is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and assessment. (NHS Inform)
How long does trauma counselling take?
There is no single number of sessions that is right for everyone. The length of therapy depends on the nature and complexity of your difficulties, your goals and the therapeutic approach being used.
Can I have trauma counselling online?
Yes. Nightingale offers online counselling as well as face-to-face appointments in Glasgow and other locations. Online therapy can provide greater flexibility and allow you to receive support from home.
Take the First Step Towards Recovery
You don’t have to continue living with the effects of a traumatic experience on your own.
Whether you are struggling with memories of something that happened recently or have been affected by experiences from many years ago, trauma counselling can provide a safe space to understand what you are experiencing and explore ways forward.
At Nightingale Counselling, we will take the time to understand your circumstances and help you find an approach that is right for you.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
You may be interested in our other services
Testimonial
After years of struggling with my mental health, I eventually sought outside help and couldn’t have landed in better hands than with Daffy. Within eight months, Daffy had enabled me to not only be honest with myself about the feelings and emotions that I hadn’t been able to handle after childhood and teenage trauma but equipped me with coping mechanisms for moving forward in my life too. Daffy’s kind personality and honesty provided me with a truly safe space to be vulnerable and made me feel supported throughout my journey to healing decades-old wounds.
Trauma Counselling
At Nightingale Counselling, we provide confidential trauma counselling in Glasgow and online across the UK. Our experienced counsellors work with people who have experienced a wide range of traumatic experiences, helping you understand what has happened, manage difficult symptoms and gradually move towards recovery.
You don’t have to deal with the effects of trauma alone.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
How Can Trauma Affect You?
Trauma is not limited to one particular type of experience. It can occur following a single event, such as an accident or assault, or develop following repeated or prolonged experiences such as childhood abuse, neglect or domestic abuse.
People can respond to trauma in very different ways. You may feel overwhelmed by memories of what happened, while someone else may feel emotionally numb or disconnected from their feelings.
Trauma can affect your emotional wellbeing, relationships, behaviour and physical health. You may notice changes immediately after an event, or difficulties may emerge months or even years later.
You might experience:
- Anxiety or persistent fear
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Feeling constantly on alert or easily startled
- Avoiding people, places or situations that remind you of what happened
- Anger, irritability or mood changes
- Feelings of guilt, shame or self-blame
- Low mood or hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Difficulty trusting other people
- Problems with relationships or intimacy
- Physical tension and feeling unable to relax
If these experiences are affecting your everyday life, relationships or sense of wellbeing, trauma counselling may be able to help.
What Can Trauma Counselling Help With?
Our trauma counsellors can support adults who are experiencing difficulties following traumatic or distressing experiences.
This may include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop following a frightening, distressing or traumatic event. Symptoms can include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, heightened alertness and changes in mood or beliefs about yourself or the world.
PTSD can develop soon after an event or many years later. It can also occur following experiences that happened during childhood.
Complex Trauma and CPTSD
Some people experience trauma repeatedly or over a prolonged period, particularly during childhood or within relationships where they should have felt safe.
This can sometimes result in complex trauma or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Alongside symptoms associated with PTSD, people may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships, self-worth and feeling safe.
Childhood Trauma
Experiences during childhood can continue to affect us into adulthood. Childhood abuse, neglect, loss, bullying, family difficulties or other adverse experiences can influence how we see ourselves, relationships and the world around us.
Trauma counselling can provide a safe space to explore these experiences and understand how they may be affecting you today.
Trauma Following an Accident, Assault or Other Event
Trauma can follow a single distressing event such as a road traffic accident, physical assault, sexual assault, bereavement or another frightening experience.
Even when you feel that you “should” have moved on, you may still be experiencing emotional or physical reactions to what happened.
Types of Trauma We Can Help With
Trauma can take many forms. You may seek trauma counselling following:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Domestic abuse
- A serious accident
- A road traffic accident
- Bereavement or sudden loss
- Bullying
- Witnessing a traumatic event
- Medical trauma
- Relationship trauma
- Repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences
- Other experiences that have left you feeling frightened, unsafe or overwhelmed
You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis of PTSD to seek support. If something has happened to you and you are finding it difficult to cope with the emotional impact, counselling can provide an opportunity to explore what you are experiencing.
Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can affect both your mind and body.
Some people experience intrusive thoughts, memories or nightmares about what happened. Others may avoid reminders of the event or find themselves constantly looking out for danger.
You may also notice changes in your emotions, relationships or behaviour.
Emotional and psychological symptoms
- Anxiety and fear
- Anger or irritability
- Guilt and shame
- Sadness or low mood
- Feeling helpless
- Emotional numbness
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or other people
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Being easily startled
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Racing heartbeat
- Physical discomfort or unexplained aches and pains
Not everyone experiences trauma in the same way. Your symptoms may also change over time.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is related to trauma, our initial assessment can help you explore your difficulties and consider what type of support may be most appropriate.
How Does Trauma Counselling Work?
Trauma counselling is not about forcing you to talk about everything that has happened before you are ready.
The first priority is creating a sense of safety and understanding what you need from therapy. Your counsellor will work with you to understand your experiences, current symptoms and goals before developing an approach that is appropriate for you.
Depending on your individual circumstances, therapy may involve:
- Understanding how trauma can affect thoughts, emotions and behaviour
- Identifying triggers and patterns that may be maintaining your symptoms
- Developing strategies to manage anxiety and emotional distress
- Learning techniques to help you feel safer and more grounded
- Exploring unhelpful beliefs associated with the traumatic experience
- Processing traumatic memories when you are ready
- Developing healthier coping strategies
- Building confidence and reconnecting with everyday life
- Working towards improved relationships and emotional wellbeing
Your treatment will be tailored to your circumstances rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR
Different therapeutic approaches can be used when working with trauma and PTSD. The most appropriate approach will depend on your symptoms, history, circumstances and treatment goals.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach used to help people experiencing PTSD. It can help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and address patterns such as avoidance and unhelpful beliefs associated with trauma.
Nightingale has experienced CBT practitioners who can assess whether this approach may be appropriate for you.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another established psychological therapy used to help people process traumatic memories.
EMDR uses a structured approach involving bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or other forms of stimulation, while working with memories, thoughts, emotions and physical sensations associated with trauma.
You can find out more about our approach on our EMDR page.
The NHS recognises both trauma-focused CBT and EMDR as treatments that can be used for PTSD. (NHS Inform)
What Happens in Your First Trauma Counselling Session?
Starting counselling can feel daunting, particularly if your reason for seeking help involves something painful or difficult to talk about.
Your first session is an opportunity for your counsellor to understand what you have been experiencing and what you would like to achieve from therapy.
You will have the opportunity to discuss:
- What has brought you to counselling
- How your experiences are affecting you now
- Any symptoms or difficulties you are experiencing
- What you would like to change
- Your previous experiences of counselling or therapy
- What type of support may be most appropriate
You will not be expected to disclose everything immediately. Trauma therapy should take place at a pace that feels manageable and appropriate for you.
At Nightingale, our initial assessment process is designed to help us understand your individual needs and match you with an appropriate practitioner and therapeutic approach.
Trauma Counselling in Glasgow and Online
Nightingale Counselling provides trauma counselling in Glasgow as well as online counselling for clients across the UK.
Our Glasgow consulting rooms are based in the city centre, with additional locations available in Newton Mearns and Glasgow Southside. Online sessions can provide a convenient alternative if travelling to an appointment is difficult or you would prefer to receive therapy from home.
We understand that privacy and feeling comfortable with your therapist are particularly important when discussing traumatic experiences.
Our aim is to provide a calm, confidential and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly and work towards recovery.
Why Choose Nightingale for Trauma Counselling?
At Nightingale Counselling, we understand that trauma affects everyone differently. Our approach is centred around finding the right therapist and therapeutic approach for your individual circumstances.
Experienced therapists
Our team includes professionally qualified counsellors and therapists with experience across a range of therapeutic approaches.
Individualised treatment
We don’t believe that one approach works for everyone. Your treatment will be shaped around your needs, experiences and goals.
Evidence-based approaches
Where appropriate, our therapists may use approaches such as CBT and EMDR when working with trauma-related difficulties.
Glasgow and online appointments
We offer face-to-face counselling in Glasgow alongside online appointments for clients across the UK.
A confidential and supportive environment
We understand that talking about trauma can feel difficult. Our aim is to provide a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space in which you can work through your experiences at a manageable pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Counselling
What is trauma counselling?
Trauma counselling is a form of psychological therapy that can help people understand and manage the emotional, psychological and physical effects of traumatic experiences. It can be used following a single traumatic event or prolonged and repeated trauma.
Can counselling help with PTSD?
Yes. Psychological therapies including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR can be used to treat PTSD. The most appropriate treatment will depend on your individual symptoms, circumstances and needs. (NHS Inform)
Do I have to talk about my trauma?
Not necessarily straight away. A trauma-informed approach should take your readiness and sense of safety into account. Your counsellor will work with you to establish an appropriate pace for therapy.
Can trauma affect you years later?
Yes. Trauma-related symptoms can develop or become more noticeable long after an event has happened. PTSD can also develop many years after a traumatic experience. (NHS Inform)
What is the difference between trauma and PTSD?
Trauma describes the psychological impact of a distressing or overwhelming experience. PTSD is a specific mental health condition that can develop following trauma and involves a particular pattern of symptoms.
You can experience the effects of trauma without having a diagnosis of PTSD.
Can EMDR help with trauma?
EMDR is an established psychological therapy used to help people process traumatic memories and is recommended as a treatment option for PTSD. Whether EMDR is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and assessment. (NHS Inform)
How long does trauma counselling take?
There is no single number of sessions that is right for everyone. The length of therapy depends on the nature and complexity of your difficulties, your goals and the therapeutic approach being used.
Can I have trauma counselling online?
Yes. Nightingale offers online counselling as well as face-to-face appointments in Glasgow and other locations. Online therapy can provide greater flexibility and allow you to receive support from home.
Take the First Step Towards Recovery
You don’t have to continue living with the effects of a traumatic experience on your own.
Whether you are struggling with memories of something that happened recently or have been affected by experiences from many years ago, trauma counselling can provide a safe space to understand what you are experiencing and explore ways forward.
At Nightingale Counselling, we will take the time to understand your circumstances and help you find an approach that is right for you.
Get in touch with the Nightingale team. You can either call us on 0141 353 9373 or info@nightingalecounsellingconsulta
You may be interested in our other services
Testimonial
After years of struggling with my mental health, I eventually sought outside help and couldn’t have landed in better hands than with Daffy. Within eight months, Daffy had enabled me to not only be honest with myself about the feelings and emotions that I hadn’t been able to handle after childhood and teenage trauma but equipped me with coping mechanisms for moving forward in my life too. Daffy’s kind personality and honesty provided me with a truly safe space to be vulnerable and made me feel supported throughout my journey to healing decades-old wounds.
Trauma Counselling