Adults
Trauma and grief
Trauma refers to the lasting emotional and psychological impact of a deeply distressing experience, such as an accident, abuse, or the loss of someone important. It can overwhelm a person's usual ways of coping. With trauma-informed therapy, people can process what happened and rebuild a sense of safety.
Also searched as: PTSD, post-traumatic stress, loss, bereavement.
What the evidence says
3.6%
of the world's population is estimated to have experienced trauma-related distress
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories or flashbacks
- Nightmares related to the distressing event
- Avoidance of people, places or activities linked to the event
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others
- Negative thoughts about oneself, others or the world
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can assess.
- Trauma-focused therapy, including CBT and EMDR
- Trauma-Focused CBT for children
- Psychiatric support for anxiety, depression or sleep disturbance
- Mindfulness-based techniques for relaxation and grounding
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour
- Re-enacting parts of the distressing event through play
Not sure yet?
Check the signs in someone you love: Checking on someone you love
Thinking about the person you are worried about over the last month, how often have you noticed these changes? Scored on your device only, nothing is stored, and it is not a diagnosis.
The care pathway
What each professional actually does here
Care for this concern is usually shared. Here is how each discipline contributes, so nothing feels like a black box.
A psychologist offers evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help process traumatic memories and rebuild a sense of safety.
Explore this serviceA psychiatrist can prescribe medication to manage associated anxiety, depression or sleep disturbance, working alongside the therapist for a comprehensive approach.
Explore this serviceWho you'd work with
The disciplines involved
You don't have to choose the right professional yourself — we match you after a first conversation.
Psychology
Psychology & Therapy
Evidence-informed therapy for adolescents, adults, couples and older adults- held in a space where you are understood as a whole person.
Learn morePsychiatry
Psychiatry
Careful psychiatric assessment and medication support, always coordinated with your therapist and wider care team.
Learn moreQuestions
Trauma and grief: questions people ask us
Short, honest answers about who helps, what to expect and how care is coordinated.
Yes, but not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD; it depends on many individual and situational factors.
Yes, children can develop PTSD after trauma such as abuse or accidents. Early intervention and support make a real difference.
Symptoms can appear soon after the event or be delayed by months or even years; both patterns are common.
No, it can result from many types of trauma, including accidents, abuse, natural disasters or witnessing violence.
A mental health professional conducts a thorough assessment evaluating symptoms, their impact and how long they have lasted.
Take the next step
Tell us what's happening, we'll suggest where to start
You don't have to choose the right professional yourself- we match you after a first conversation.