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Process and heal from the past with EMDR Therapy Glasgow
Trauma Counsellor Glasgow | Brain Botanics
Trauma therapy in Glasgow blends evidence-based methods with a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to help you regain confidence and stability. Using EMDR, Rewind Therapy and talking therapy techniques, we provide effective trauma counselling across Glasgow City Centre, the West End and Clydebank.
Trauma Counselling in Glasgow
Trauma therapy is designed to help individuals process and recover from distressing experiences. This approach draws on applied psychology, involving a multidisciplinary team of professionals such as psychologists, therapists, and clinical associates, who use practical psychological techniques to support clients.
One of the evidence-based methods used is EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing). EMDR, also known as eye movement desensitisation or eye movement desensitisation, is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, to help process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress. The EMDR therapy is structured into eight phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, and revaluation.
Trauma specialists are credited by EMDR Europe with specialist training in psychological therapies, ensuring high standards of care and expertise. An "EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner" has met rigorous standards of training, experience, and supervision.
Trauma Counselling in Glasgow City Center
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can change the way you experience the world. It doesn’t just live in the past — it shows up in your body, your sleep, your relationships, and your thoughts. Some people carry memories of one overwhelming event. Others have been through repeated experiences that built up over time. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is more likely to develop after repeated experiences of trauma or if trauma happened early in life.
For many people in Glasgow, trauma looks like flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty trusting others, or a constant sense of being on edge. Sometimes it feels like you’re back in survival mode, even when nothing dangerous is happening. Trauma counselling is about helping you feel safer, more grounded, and less controlled by what happened. My trauma counselling for women focuses on creating safety first—especially for those who’ve carried trauma for years or who feel anxious about starting therapy. Together we will help you process traumatic memories and move on from their impact on your life. For many women, CBT therapy in Glasgow also supports trauma recovery by helping reframe anxious or self-blaming thought patterns.
How Trauma Counselling Helps
Therapy gives you a private space to process your experiences at your own pace. It’s not about reliving every detail — it’s about understanding how trauma affects you now and learning ways to reduce its grip. Trauma counselling offers many benefits, including reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, improving overall well-being, and providing long-term positive effects in a safe, non-invasive way.
In sessions, we might work on:
Recognising triggers and building strategies to manage them
Using grounding techniques to help when you feel overwhelmed
Rebuilding a sense of safety and trust in yourself
Developing coping skills that work in daily life
Trauma counselling is a form of psychological therapy and an effective treatment for trauma-related difficulties. Each trauma counselling session in Glasgow is tailored to your goals and comfort level, ensuring the pace feels right for you.
Trauma therapy in Glasgow: What to expect
Your first step in trauma therapy in Glasgow is usually an initial consultation. This is where we’ll talk through what’s been going on for you and what you’d like to change. Therapy itself is collaborative — no pressure to share before you’re ready, no one-size-fits-all plan.
Some people come to trauma therapy in Glasgow because of a single traumatic event such as an accident, medical emergency, or loss. Others come with complex trauma, often linked to childhood experiences or repeated harm. Whatever the starting point, the aim is the same: to reduce distress and give you back more control over your life. I offer online trauma therapy for women across Glasgow and beyond, allowing you to work through trauma in a space that feels safe and familiar. EMDR helps individuals process trauma and associated memories in a way that allows for healing and resolution.
In some cases, I use Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), a structured approach that focuses on the reprocessing of distressing memories. EMDR therapy, or movement desensitisation and reprocessing, uses bilateral stimulation techniques to help reduce the emotional impact of traumatic experiences and support healing. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend EMDR for treating trauma and PTSD.
Sessions typically last 50 minutes and take place weekly to begin. Many people begin to notice changes after a few weeks, though deeper trauma often takes longer to work through.
Trauma and Anxiety: How They Overlap
It’s common for trauma and anxiety to appear together. Trauma can leave you feeling constantly on guard, with symptoms like panic attacks, racing thoughts, or health worries. This overlap can make daily life even harder — you’re not only carrying the weight of past events but also living with ongoing fear. This overlap can make daily life even harder — you’re not only carrying the weight of past events but also living with ongoing fear. EMDR and other trauma therapies has also been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression that are often associated with trauma.
While trauma counselling focuses on processing difficult experiences, anxiety counselling in Glasgow is sometimes just as important. If you find that trauma has led to ongoing overthinking or worry, our Anxiety Therapy in Glasgow page explains how anxiety-focused counselling can complement trauma work.
PTSD Counselling in Glasgow
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most well-known trauma responses. It can involve flashbacks, intrusive memories, nightmares, or physical symptoms like a pounding heart when reminded of the trauma. Some people may also cope with trauma through self harm, and therapy can help address these behaviors with understanding and support. PTSD counselling helps you gradually process these reactions so they lose their intensity. CBT therapy in Glasgow can also support this process by addressing trauma-related thought patterns and physical anxiety responses
You don’t need a formal PTSD diagnosis to benefit from trauma therapy. Whether your symptoms are recent or long-standing, counselling can help reduce their impact. My approach to PTSD counselling in Glasgow draws on EMDR and Rewind Therapy to reduce the intensity of flashbacks and physical anxiety responses.
Looking After Physical Health
Looking after your physical health is a vital part of healing from trauma and supporting your overall mental wellbeing. When you’re coping with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic memories, or the emotional impact of difficult experiences, it’s common for your body to feel the effects just as much as your mind.
Many people notice issues like poor sleep, changes in appetite, eating disorders, or even chronic pain after traumatic events. These physical symptoms are your body’s way of responding to stress, and they can make daily life feel even more challenging.
Taking small steps to care for your physical health can make a real difference in your recovery. Regular movement—whether it’s walking, gentle yoga, or another activity you enjoy—can help reduce anxiety and release tension stored in the body. Eating a balanced diet supports your brain and emotional health, while a consistent sleep routine can improve mood and help you process difficult memories more effectively. Even small changes, like drinking enough water or getting outside for fresh air, can support your emotional wellbeing.
Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), schema therapy, and commitment therapy can also help you address unhelpful patterns that affect both your mind and body. Working with a therapist, you can develop healthier coping strategies, manage anxiety, and find new ways to respond to stress. Specialist psychological assessment is available in Glasgow city centre and through third sector organisations, offering tailored support for issues like eating disorders, poor sleep, and the physical symptoms of trauma.
If you’re finding it hard to look after your physical health, remember you’re not alone. Many people benefit from the support of mental health professionals who understand the close connection between body and mind. Online sessions are available for those who prefer the comfort of their own space or have difficulty accessing in-person therapy in Glasgow.
Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, the aftereffects of traumatic experiences, or ongoing anxiety, prioritising your physical health is an important step towards healing.
By taking care of your body and seeking support when you need it, you can build resilience and create a healthier, more balanced life. Healing from trauma is a journey, and every positive step—no matter how small—can help you cope with emotions, process traumatic memories, and move forward with greater strength and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if what I experienced counts as trauma?
A: Trauma isn't determined by the type of event, but by how it affected you. If past experiences are creating ongoing difficulties in relationships, emotional regulation, self-trust, or life satisfaction, then trauma therapy like EMDR can help regardless of whether your experiences seem "big enough" compared to others.
Q: Will I have to relive traumatic experiences in detail?
A: No. With EMDR and Rewind Therapy, healing happens without forcing you to relive painful experiences. These approaches work with your brain's natural processing abilities while you maintain complete control over what you share and when.
Q: How long does trauma therapy take?
A: Many people notice shifts within the first few sessions, with significant improvements typically occurring within months rather than years. However, everyone's healing timeline is unique depending on their experiences, goals, and life circumstances.
Q: I've tried therapy before and it didn't help. What makes this different?
A: Traditional therapy often focuses on talking about experiences repeatedly, which can sometimes reinforce trauma patterns. Trauma-informed approaches like EMDR work directly with how experiences are stored in your nervous system, creating resolution at the source rather than just managing symptoms.
Q: Can online trauma therapy be as effective as in-person sessions?
A: Research consistently shows online trauma therapy can be just as effective as in-person work. Many people feel safer and more in control in their own space, which can actually enhance the healing process for trauma-related issues.
Q: What if I don't remember much about my traumatic experiences?
A: Memory gaps are very common with trauma, and you don't need clear memories to benefit from trauma counselling near me. Your nervous system remembers even when your conscious mind doesn't, and healing can happen regardless of memory clarity.
Q: Will I feel worse before I feel better?
A: Quality trauma therapy is designed to avoid overwhelming you. We work within your "window of tolerance" - that space where you can process experiences without becoming flooded. Any temporary shifts come with support and coping strategies already in place.
Q: How do I choose between EMDR and Rewind Therapy?
A: Both are highly effective trauma treatments. We'll discuss your specific situation and preferences to determine which approach feels most comfortable for you. Many people find both approaches gentle and empowering compared to traditional talk therapy.
If your trauma has led to ongoing worry or overthinking, our CBT therapy in Glasgow page explains how CBT helps calm anxiety and re-train your thought responses
Why Choose Private Trauma Counselling in Glasgow
Many people first try NHS or charity-based trauma services. These can be valuable, but often limited in the number of sessions available. Choosing a private therapist in Glasgow means having consistent sessions and the flexibility to work at your own pace. This is an investment in your mental health and long-term wellbeing.
At Brain Botanics, trauma counselling is:
Confidential and tailored to you
Flexible with online sessions
Focused on practical tools as well as deeper healing
You don’t have to carry trauma alone. With the right support, it’s possible to feel safer in your own body and more at ease in daily life.
Sessions at Brain Botanics are private, compassionate, and adapted to your pace. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, ongoing anxiety linked to trauma, or past events that still affect you, counselling can help. Our trauma counselling in Glasgow is designed to help you feel grounded, safe, and ready to move forward after difficult experiences.
Start your journey today
Trauma Therapy Locations in and around Glasgow
As part of our commitment to accessible trauma therapy in Glasgow, I work with clients across the city and nearby areas.
You can also explore our Free Anxiety Resources for practical grounding tools and guides to support your healing between sessions