Trauma Counselling in Bath
Trauma counselling in Bath offers a safe, paced space to understand the effects of difficult or overwhelming experiences and find a way forward. I work with adults affected by trauma and abuse, offering counselling, psychotherapy and EMDR from my Bath practice and online.
People seek help for many reasons. An experience may have happened recently or many years ago. It may be a single event, repeated experiences or something that was difficult to name at the time. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis, and you will not be expected to disclose everything before you feel ready.
How trauma can affect everyday life
Responses to trauma vary from person to person. You may feel on edge, numb, overwhelmed or disconnected. Memories, sensations or emotions can be triggered unexpectedly. Sleep, confidence, relationships, work and the ability to feel safe may all be affected.
Some people minimise what happened because others appeared to have had it worse. Others have carried shame or self-blame for a long time. Therapy offers an opportunity to make sense of these responses with compassion rather than judgement.
You might consider trauma therapy if you are experiencing:
- intrusive memories, nightmares or a sense of reliving an event
- avoidance of places, people, conversations or feelings
- anxiety, irritability, vigilance or difficulty relaxing
- feeling shut down, detached or emotionally numb
- shame, guilt or harsh self-criticism
- difficulty trusting people or feeling secure in relationships
- the continuing effects of childhood experiences, neglect or abuse
- grief and loss connected with what happened
This list is not a diagnosis. An introductory conversation can help us consider what support you are looking for and whether my way of working is a suitable fit.
Counselling and psychotherapy for trauma
Trauma-informed counselling begins with safety, choice and trust. We can work at a pace that respects your circumstances and your capacity in the present. The aim is not to push you into recounting painful experiences before you are ready.
Therapy may involve understanding how past experiences connect with present feelings, relationships and ways of coping. We may pay attention to resources that help you feel steadier, recognise triggers and develop a kinder understanding of the strategies that helped you survive.
For some people, talking therapy provides the right way to work. For others, EMDR therapy may be helpful. We can discuss the options together rather than assuming that one approach suits everyone.
EMDR therapy for trauma
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychological therapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories that can continue to feel present or easily triggered.
I am a qualified EMDR practitioner. Before any processing work, we spend time understanding what you are experiencing, agreeing goals and building ways to help you remain grounded. EMDR is collaborative: you remain aware, can pause at any point and do not have to describe every detail aloud.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends EMDR for some adults with post-traumatic stress disorder or clinically important trauma symptoms, when it is delivered by a trained practitioner and tailored to the person. Suitability is considered individually.
A careful, individual approach
There is no timetable for recovering from trauma. The work may focus first on stability and coping in the present; at other times it may be appropriate to process particular memories. We will review the work together and pay attention to what feels manageable.
My experience includes work with trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, grief and loss. These concerns can overlap. Therapy can make space for the whole person rather than reducing you to one event or symptom.
You can read more about my qualifications and professional background and my broader approach to counselling and psychotherapy.
Trauma counselling in Bath and online
In-person sessions take place at 39 Grosvenor Place, Bath, BA1 6BA. I also offer online therapy, which may make support more accessible if you live outside Bath or find travel difficult.
A standard 60-minute therapy session is £65. A trainee rate and some agreed low-cost concessions are available in certain circumstances; see the fees page for details.
Current availability
I currently have availability for therapy, including EMDR. If you would like to ask about trauma counselling, you can send a brief enquiry without explaining your whole history.
Contact Sue about trauma counselling or EMDR in Bath and online.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis to begin trauma counselling?
No. We can start by talking about what is affecting you now and what you hope therapy might help with.
Will I have to describe everything that happened?
No. You have choice about what you share and when. We work at a pace that supports safety and trust.
Is EMDR suitable for everyone?
No single approach is right for every person. We will discuss your needs, history, current circumstances and preferences before deciding whether EMDR may be appropriate.
Can trauma therapy take place online?
Yes. I offer online therapy as well as in-person sessions in Bath. We can discuss which format feels most suitable.
How do I make an enquiry?
Use the contact page to send a confidential message. I will respond with current appointment options.
