What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, personal assaults, or abuse. Individuals with PTSD may experience a range of symptoms, including intrusive thoughts about the trauma, flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness. These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning and overall quality of life.
How PTSD Affects People
PTSD can affect individuals in various ways, leading to both emotional and physical challenges:
- Emotional Distress: Those with PTSD often grapple with intense feelings of fear, anger, or sadness, which can lead to difficulties in managing emotions and relationships.
- Avoidance Behaviours: Many people with PTSD try to avoid reminders of the trauma, which can restrict their ability to engage in activities or situations that they once enjoyed, leading to social withdrawal.
- Hyperarousal: Symptoms such as increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, and heightened alertness can create a constant state of tension, making it hard to relax or feel safe.
- Physical Health Issues: Chronic stress from PTSD may contribute to various physical health problems, including headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and weakened immune responses.
- Impact on Relationships: The emotional and behavioural changes associated with PTSD can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, leading to feelings of isolation.
When to Seek Treatment
It’s important to seek professional help if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent symptoms that interfere with your daily life, work, or relationships
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares that are difficult to manage
- Heightened anxiety or emotional reactions that feel unmanageable
- A tendency to isolate yourself or avoid situations that trigger memories of the trauma
- Overall feelings of hopelessness or despair
Taking the step to seek support can be incredibly beneficial in navigating the complexities of PTSD.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can work through their experiences and symptoms related to PTSD. Here are several ways in which therapy can make a positive impact:
- Processing Trauma: A therapist can provide a safe space for you to explore and process the traumatic event, allowing you to express your feelings and thoughts in a supportive setting.
- Developing Coping Strategies: Therapy equips you with practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms, empowering you to handle triggers and stressful situations more effectively.
- Rebuilding Trust and Safety: Therapy can help you regain a sense of safety and control in your life, gradually allowing you to engage with the world without the overwhelming fear associated with PTSD.
- Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Through therapy, you can learn to identify, understand, and regulate your emotions, which can lead to improved mental health and interpersonal relationships.
- Fostering Connection: Engaging in therapy promotes connection and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany PTSD.
Getting Support with PTSD
If you are experiencing PTSD, seeking therapy can provide the support and guidance needed to work through your experiences and trauma, and lead a more fulfilling life.
Contact us today to find out more.
Our Services
Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
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Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
Find Out More Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
Find Out More Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More 
Get in touch
Embark on the path to addressing concerns and finding the support you need. Reach out to us today to start your journey with London Bridge Therapy. Dr. Mahan-Taylor and our team are here to offer understanding and care, ensuring you feel supported throughout your therapeutic experience.rnrnYour well-being is our priority at London Bridge Therapy.
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