Trauma Informed Therapy

Specialist, trauma informed therapy for recovery and wellbeing

Trauma can affect how we feel, think, relate to others, and experience the world. It may result from a single overwhelming event or from repeated experiences over time. Trauma is not defined by what happened, but by how it was experienced and how it continues to affect you.

 

At Poole Therapies, we offer trauma-informed therapy for individuals experiencing the effects of trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our approach is grounded in safety, choice, collaboration, and compassion.

Trauma Informed Therapy: PTSD support, TRIM trained. Compassion

Our Trauma-Informed Approach

Our therapists work in ways that prioritise emotional safety, trust, and stabilisation. Trauma therapy is not about reliving events, but about helping your nervous system feel safer and more regulated over time.

 

Therapy may involve:

  • Building grounding and emotional regulation skills

  • Understanding trauma responses and patterns

  • Gently exploring meaning and impact at a manageable pace

  • Strengthening self-compassion and resilience

  • Supporting reconnection with yourself and others

 

You remain in control of what is explored and when. Therapy moves at your pace.

Poole Therapies, Counselling in the Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch area, or online globally. Explore the specialisms of our unique counsellors

Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can arise from many different experiences, including accidents, loss, abuse, neglect, medical trauma, violence, or ongoing stress in relationships or environments. Some people experience symptoms soon after an event, while others notice impacts months or years later.

 

PTSD may include experiences such as heightened alertness, emotional numbness, intrusive memories, difficulty sleeping, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and trauma responses can look different for each person.

 

You do not need a diagnosis to seek support. If past experiences continue to affect your present life, therapy may help.

Specialist Trauma Therapies

Some of our therapists are trained in specialist trauma approaches, including:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

  • EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy)

 

These approaches can help process traumatic experiences in ways that reduce emotional distress and support integration, when clinically appropriate. Your therapist will discuss options with you and ensure that any trauma-focused work is introduced safely and collaboratively.

Complex Trauma & Developmental Trauma

Some people experience trauma that is relational, long-term, or occurred during childhood. This is sometimes described as complex or developmental trauma and may affect identity, self-worth, emotional regulation, and relationships.

 

Our therapists are experienced in working with complex trauma, including:

  • Childhood adversity and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

  • Sexual abuse or assault

  • Emotional neglect or chronic instability

  • Trauma within relationships

 

This work often focuses on safety, trust, and rebuilding a sense of stability over time.

TRiM-Informed Trauma Support

One of our therapists, Colin, is trained in TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) — a peer-support and early intervention approach originally developed within the military and emergency services.

 

TRiM is designed to help identify and support people who have been exposed to potentially traumatic events, particularly in high-pressure or frontline roles. It focuses on early recognition of trauma responses, practical support, and reducing the risk of longer-term psychological difficulties.

 

Colin’s TRiM training brings an additional layer of understanding to trauma-informed therapy, particularly for individuals who work in:

  • Emergency services

  • Armed forces or veteran communities

  • Healthcare and frontline professions

  • High-risk or high-stress environments

 

TRiM-informed work does not replace therapy, but it can complement trauma-focused counselling by supporting early awareness, normalising responses to trauma, and guiding appropriate next steps.

Who We Support

We provide trauma and PTSD therapy for:

  • Adults

  • Survivors of single-incident or complex trauma

  • People experiencing PTSD or trauma-related symptoms

  • Clients with co-existing anxiety, depression, or neurodivergence

 

Sessions are available online, offering privacy, flexibility, and accessibility.

Working Safely and Ethically

Trauma therapy requires care and professional responsibility. Our therapists work within ethical frameworks and will always prioritise wellbeing and safety. If additional or alternative support is needed, this will be discussed openly and respectfully.

If you are experiencing immediate risk or feel unsafe, please contact emergency services or your GP.

Taking the First Step

Trauma can make it difficult to trust, speak, or ask for help. You may feel unsure, ambivalent, or worried about opening things up.

You are not expected to share everything straight away. Therapy begins with building safety and understanding.

If you would like to explore trauma therapy in a confidential, supportive space, we invite you to contact us for a conversation about next steps

Interested in a counsellor with this specialty?

Click to find out more about each of our counsellors with a trauma specialism.

Still unsure who might be the best fit for your needs? Contact us, and we’ll help match you with the right professional.

Don’t worry — sometimes the best match may be outside of Poole Therapies. In those cases, we’re happy to recommend trusted services that could be the ideal fit for you.

Trauma something that resonates with you? Take a look at these resources, which may offer additional support: