Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
Trauma can affect anyone. It may follow a single distressing event or develop after repeated or prolonged experiences. Common examples include accidents, sudden illness, assault, abuse, bereavement, medical trauma, workplace incidents, or natural disasters. What these experiences share is a sense of threat, danger, or helplessness, such as feeling alone.
While some people recover naturally over time, many find that the emotional and physical effects of trauma persist. You might notice that your reactions feel out of proportion, difficult to control, or interfere with everyday life. This is not a sign of weakness – it is a normal response to abnormal events.
If you are unsure whether your experiences are still affecting you, completing a short, evidence‑based screening tool can be a helpful first step.
Free Trauma Test – Impact of Events Scale (IES)
We invite you to complete our free Impact of Events Scale (IES) – a widely used, research‑based questionnaire designed to measure how strongly a traumatic event is still affecting you.
The IES helps you reflect on common trauma responses such as:
Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Avoidance of reminders
Emotional numbness
Heightened alertness or feeling constantly ‘on edge’
Why take the Impact of Events Scale?
✅ It is evidence‑based and used internationally by clinicians and researchers
✅ It takes only a few minutes to complete
✅ It can help you understand the severity of your trauma response
✅ Your results can guide you towards the right type of support
Important to note: This questionnaire does not provide a diagnosis. Instead, it is designed to help you reflect on how much a past event may still be affecting you and whether seeking professional support could be helpful at this time.
Your results are completely confidential and for your eyes only. My Therapist Online does not have access to your responses or the results generated by this test. The questionnaire is provided purely as a self-reflection tool, to help you better understand your experiences and consider your next steps.
What Is Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a recognised mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Research suggests that around 1 in 3 people exposed to trauma will continue to experience significant symptoms.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
Re‑experiencing
Distressing memories or flashbacks
Nightmares related to the trauma
Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders
Avoidance
Avoiding places, people, or situations linked to the trauma
Trying not to think or talk about what happened
Changes in mood and emotions
Emotional numbness or detachment
Feeling hopeless, guilty, or ashamed
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Hyperarousal and alertness
Feeling constantly on edge or unsafe
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Irritability, anger, or being easily startled
PTSD often occurs alongside other difficulties such as anxiety, depression, panic, substance misuse, or physical symptoms including headaches, chest pain, stomach problems, dizziness, or shaking.
If these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, professional support can make a significant difference.
Evidence‑Based Treatment for Trauma and PTSD
Effective treatments for trauma and PTSD are available. At My Therapist Online, our therapists use NICE‑recommended, evidence‑based approaches, including:
Trauma‑Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF‑CBT)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
Schema Therapy and Integrative Approaches (where appropriate)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma-focused CBT is one of the most widely researched and effective treatments for PTSD. It helps you understand how trauma has affected your thoughts, emotions, physical responses, and behaviours, and how these patterns can keep distress going.
Trauma‑focused CBT helps you:
Understand how trauma affects your thoughts, emotions, and body
Reduce distress linked to memories and reminders
Develop coping strategies to regain a sense of safety and control
Gradually process traumatic memories in a supported, structured way
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy specifically designed for trauma and PTSD. Rather than focusing on detailed discussion of the traumatic event, EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they become less emotionally intense.
During EMDR, you will be guided to recall aspects of the traumatic experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping). This process supports the brain’s natural ability to heal.
EMDR can help you to:
Reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories
Lessen flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts
Shift unhelpful beliefs such as shame, guilt, or self-blame
Feel more grounded and present in everyday life
Many people find EMDR helpful when talking in detail about the trauma feels overwhelming.
Schema Therapy and Integrative Approaches
For some people, especially those who have experienced long-term, repeated, or early-life trauma, the impact may be felt deeply in relationships, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. In these cases, Schema Therapy or integrative approaches may be recommended.
Schema Therapy focuses on identifying and changing deeply held patterns (schemas) that developed as a way of coping with early or ongoing trauma. These patterns can continue to influence how you see yourself, others, and the world.
Schema-informed and integrative therapy can help you to:
Understand long-standing emotional and relational patterns
Heal the impact of childhood or complex trauma
Develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others
Build emotional resilience, self-compassion, and stability
A Personalised Approach
Treatment is always tailored to you, your experiences, and your goals. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to choose the most appropriate approach and move at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
How My Therapist Online Can Help
My Therapist Online offers access to a large network of highly experienced psychologists, CBT therapists, EMDR therapists, and counsellors who specialise in trauma and PTSD.
We offer:
✔ Online therapy from the comfort of your home
✔ Flexible appointment times
✔ A free initial consultation to ensure the right match
✔ Carefully vetted, accredited therapists
We take the time to understand your experiences and match you with a therapist who has the right expertise for your needs.
Our Trauma & PTSD Specialists
Our clinicians include Clinical Psychologists, Chartered Psychologists, Consultant Psychologists, CBT and EMDR therapists with extensive experience in treating trauma and PTSD.
Debby Cranston - CBT Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist
Helen Joselyn-Gadd - CBT Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist
Grainne Butler - CBT Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist
Stephanie Harris - CBT & EMDR Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist
Joel Oliver - CBT & EMDR Therapist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist
Recommended Reading: Overcoming Trauma
A comprehensive and insightful guide that empowers readers to take control of their trauma and heal. The author draws upon her expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy to provide a step-by-step approach to managing and overcoming the effects of childhood trauma. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, and covers a wide range of topics, including managing anxiety and depression, improving self-esteem, and learning to trust again. With practical exercises and techniques to put into practice, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to overcome the impact of childhood trauma and move towards a happier and more fulfilling life.
Overcoming Traumatic Stress by - Claudia Herbert and Ann Westmore
The authors' compassionate and supportive approach makes "Overcoming Traumatic Stress" a valuable resource for anyone seeking to heal from the impact of trauma.
It is a comprehensive and empathetic guide for those struggling with the effects of trauma. The authors use a blend of scientific research and practical advice to help readers understand and overcome the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The book covers topics such as managing anxiety and anger, improving relationships, and coping with memories and flashbacks, and provides practical tools and techniques for readers to put into practice.
This is a groundbreaking and illuminating work that delves into the intricacies of trauma and its impact on the mind and body. The author brings together the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and medicine to create a holistic understanding of trauma and its effects. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as well as a call to action for mental health professionals to take a more integrated approach to healing trauma. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, and the author's wealth of experience and expertise in the field shines through on every page.
Take the Next Step
You do not have to manage trauma alone. If your experiences are still affecting you, completing our free Impact of Events Scale can be a helpful first step towards understanding your needs.
At My Therapist Online, we make finding the right therapist simple, supportive, and personalised. You can book a free initial consultation to explore whether therapy feels right for you.
We make finding the right therapist easy.
At My Therapist Online, we listen to the problems you are facing and match you with the right therapist for your individual needs. You can meet with them for a free initial consultation to be sure it is a good match before starting your therapy.