Understanding PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects far more people in the UK than is often recognised, with over 2.5 million individuals currently living with the condition. PTSD can develop following events such as serious accidents, abuse, bereavement or life-threatening illness. Common symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, emotional numbness and a persistent sense of threat. For many, these symptoms do not resolve on their own and can significantly disrupt relationships, work and overall wellbeing.

How can talking therapy help?

Talking therapy offers a supportive, structured way to address these challenges. It provides a confidential space to explore how past experiences continue to affect thoughts, emotions and reactions in the present. Rather than avoiding painful memories, therapy helps people to work through their distress at a manageable pace. Over time, this process can reduce the intensity of emotional responses, working towards a greater sense of stability and control. Our experienced practitioners offer trauma therapy both in Newcastle city centre and online, depending on each client's needs and preferences.

Evidence-based approaches

One of the most widely used talking therapies for PTSD in the UK is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping people recognise patterns that maintain distress after trauma. Through therapy, individuals learn to identify unhelpful thinking styles, respond differently to triggers, and build practical coping strategies that can be applied in everyday life.

Another commonly used approach is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), which combines guided attention with discussion of traumatic memories to support the brain's natural processing of distressing experiences. Reviews of UK and interntional studies show that both CBT and EMDR are associated with meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms, with these improvements often continuing after therapy has ended.

The importance of the therapeutic relationship

The relationship between therapist and client is central to the effectiveness of talking therapy. PTSD can make it harder to trust others and may lead to feelings of isolation. Working with a therapist who is consistent, empathetic and non-judgemental helps to create a sense of safety. This supportive connection makes it easier to explore difficult experiences and supports emotional stability throughout the therapeutic process.

Building skills for the future

Talking therapy also focuses on practical skills you can use outside of your sessions. Grounding techniques keep you connected to the present when memories feel intrusive, while emotional regulation strategies help people notice and manage strong feelings before they become overwhelming. As confidence grows, many people find they are better able to reconnect with activities and relationships that once felt out of reach.

Living with PTSD can be exhausting and disorienting, but talking therapy offers a structured and evidence-informed path towards making sense of distressing experiences and building resilience. The focus is not on removing memories, but on increased understanding, practical tools and a steady process of meaningful change and a bright future.