“We understand how, at times, problems can appear overwhelming and solutions hard to find. Talking about your difficulties is the first step to improving the quality of your life.”

Counselling in Belfast & NI

Trauma or Shock

If you have had a traumatic or shocking experience, you may feel emotionally numb to begin with, and feelings of distress may not emerge straight away. But sooner or later, you are likely to develop emotional and physical reactions, which may include:

  • Reliving aspects of the trauma
  • Vivid flashbacks
  • Intrusive thoughts and images
  • Nightmares
  • Avoiding memories
  • Extreme alertness

There are a number of traumatic or shocking events which can cause you to feel this way:

  • Sexual or physical assault
  • Violent crime
  • Abused as a child
  • a murder
  • Difficult childbirth
  • Road traffic accidents
  • Involved in a life-threatening situation

If you bottle up stress responses over months or years, they can become deeply ingrained and cause serious problems. You may find yourself avoiding situations, in case they remind you of the trauma, so life becomes increasingly restricted. Not uncommonly, you may turn to alcohol or drugs (this could include prescription drugs such as diazepam or long-term use of anti-depressants) in an attempt to avoid feelings and memories. In trying to avoid the problem though, you are avoiding getting appropriate help.

Talking about your feelings can be the best way of coming to terms with the experience. Counselling will enable you to share your experiences and move you away from isolation and towards regaining control of your life. Your Counsellor will understand that you will need to proceed at your own pace; you should not be made to talk before you are ready.

 

Contact Us

By Telephone :

Mobile: 0754 3071 396

Mobile: 0754 3071 394

 

By Email:

Email: nicky@counsellingservicesni.co.uk

Email: Helen@counsellingservicesni.co.uk

 

By Post:

H&N Counselling & Psychotherapy
Upper Floor
336 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 6GH