Trauma can affect people after experiences that feel frightening, overwhelming, unsafe, humiliating, or impossible to process at the time. For some people it follows a single event. For others it is connected with repeated experiences, such as childhood adversity, abuse, neglect, violence, serious illness, accidents, loss, or relationship situations where safety and trust were damaged.
This page offers general information about trauma and PTSD. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for personal medical or psychological advice. If symptoms are persistent, severe, or affecting daily life, it can be helpful to speak with a GP, psychotherapist, counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or another qualified mental health professional.
What trauma can feel like
People respond to trauma in different ways. Some reactions settle over time, especially when there is safety, support, and time to recover. Other reactions can continue and may begin to affect sleep, relationships, work, mood, concentration, and a sense of safety in the world.
Common trauma-related difficulties can include:
- Intrusive memories, images, nightmares, or flashbacks.
- Avoiding reminders of what happened, or avoiding feelings connected with it.
- Feeling tense, watchful, easily startled, irritable, or unable to relax.
- Sleep problems, concentration problems, or feeling emotionally numb.
- Shame, guilt, self-blame, anger, sadness, or fear.
- Difficulty trusting others, feeling close to people, or feeling safe in relationships.
Trauma can also overlap with anxiety, depression, panic, grief, relationship difficulties, and physical stress responses. This does not mean that every distressing reaction is PTSD, but it can be a sign that support would be useful.
PTSD and complex trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can develop after traumatic events when the mind and body continue to react as if danger is still present. Complex PTSD is often linked with repeated or prolonged trauma, especially when it happened in situations where escape, protection, or reliable support were limited.
PTSD and complex trauma are not signs of weakness. They are understandable responses to overwhelming experience. A careful assessment can help distinguish trauma-related symptoms from anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, medical difficulties, or other mental health concerns that may need attention.
When to seek help
It may be time to seek professional support if trauma-related symptoms are lasting more than a few weeks, worsening, or interfering with sleep, relationships, work, study, daily functioning, or a sense of safety. Support is also important if you feel detached from yourself or the world, are using alcohol or drugs to cope, feel unable to manage intense emotions, or are having thoughts of self-harm.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. In Ireland, call 112 or 999 in an emergency.
How psychotherapy and counselling can help
Psychotherapy and counselling can provide a safe and structured space to understand what has happened, how it is affecting life now, and what may help recovery. The work is usually collaborative and paced carefully. It may include stabilisation, understanding triggers, working with emotions, rebuilding trust, strengthening communication, and gradually making sense of traumatic memories without forcing disclosure before a person is ready.
Different therapeutic approaches can be helpful for different people. Guidelines commonly discuss trauma-focused psychological therapies for PTSD, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR. Other approaches may focus more on relationships, communication, meaning, self-understanding, and the wider patterns that have developed around trauma. The most suitable approach depends on the person, their history, current safety, symptoms, preferences, and goals.
Trauma therapy in Dublin and online
Dr Jonathan Haverkampf offers psychotherapy and counselling in Dublin and online. Therapy may be helpful if trauma is connected with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, panic, self-doubt, or a persistent feeling of being stuck. The aim is not to pressure anyone into revisiting painful memories, but to work together in a way that supports safety, understanding, communication, and meaningful change.
If you would like to discuss support, you can make an appointment or contact Jonathan Haverkampf.
Related information on this site
- Communication-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Trauma
- Communication-Focused Therapy (CFT) for PTSD
- Trauma Therapy: EMDR and PTSD
- The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
- Anxiety
- Depression
Further information
- HSE: PTSD and complex PTSD
- NHS: Post-traumatic stress disorder
- NICE guideline NG116: Post-traumatic stress disorder
Page last reviewed: May 2026.
