Build understanding and safety
Learn how the mind and body can respond after distressing experiences and develop stabilising strategies.
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Difficult experiences
A frightening, distressing or prolonged experience can continue to affect how safe you feel, how you see yourself and how you respond to reminders. Therapy can help you understand these responses without asking you to rush into details.
What this can look like
Presentations can differ from person to person.
You do not need to identify with every example or have a formal diagnosis to begin a conversation.
- Unwanted memories, images, nightmares or feeling as though an event is happening again
- Avoiding reminders, conversations, people or places
- Feeling constantly alert, easily startled or unable to relax
- Guilt, shame, anger or negative beliefs about yourself
- Feeling detached, numb or disconnected from other people
- Sleep problems, difficulty concentrating or strong physical reactions to reminders
How CBT may help
Understanding the pattern and finding a different way forward
Identify triggers and meanings
Explore reminders and the conclusions you may have drawn about yourself, others or the world.
Reduce avoidance carefully
Plan gradual steps towards parts of life that fear or painful memories have restricted.
Process the experience when appropriate
Trauma-focused CBT can help a memory feel like something that happened in the past rather than a current threat.
What sessions might involve
Collaborative, practical and paced around you
Work is paced collaboratively. Early sessions focus on understanding your current difficulties, building a sense of safety and agreeing what you want from therapy. Trauma-focused work is considered only when appropriate and with your informed agreement.
Some experiences require specialist or multidisciplinary support. The free consultation helps us consider whether online CBT with ThoughtShift Therapy is suitable for your needs.
Read trusted NHS informationTake the first step
Curious about whether CBT is right for you?
A free 15-minute consultation gives us a chance to talk about what you are looking for, with no pressure to commit.