Trauma Focused Therapies Service
Evidence-based, NICE-compliant, specialist psychological care
Experiencing a traumatic event, such as an accident, medical emergency, life-threatening situation, or other distressing or overwhelming experience, can lead to a range of psychological difficulties, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, low mood, and changes in how a person thinks, feels, and responds to the world around them.
Trauma is commonly experienced alongside acquired or traumatic brain injury (ABI/TBI). In these cases, psychological responses to trauma can interact with cognitive, physical, and neurological changes, which may impact recovery and day-to-day functioning. Individuals may also experience trauma and adjustment difficulties following sudden injury, illness, disability, hospitalisation, or significant changes in independence and identity.
Our clinicians are specialists in providing neuropsychology-led, evidence-based assessment and intervention, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), for individuals experiencing trauma, both with and without neurological conditions. We also support family members and carers through emotional adjustment, helping them to understand changes in their loved one, and developing strategies to support wellbeing and recovery.
We accept self-referrals from clients, and referrals from family members or friends on behalf of clients
We also accept referrals from professionals including GP's, therapy and health professionals, psychiatrists, neurologists, social care staff, case managers, solicitors, Court of Protection teams and financial deputies and insurers.
Trauma Informed Assessment
At Psychologia, we do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach.
Following referral, we aim to understand a client’s background, experiences, current difficulties, personal values, and wider cultural context in order to provide a tailored assessment that is clinically meaningful, useful, and cost-effective.
Initial trauma assessments typically last up to 90 minutes and focus on understanding the impact of traumatic experiences, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, low mood, and adjustment difficulties.
Where relevant, assessments are adapted to take into account cognitive, physical, and neurological factors, such as difficulties with attention, memory, fatigue, dizziness, or sensory sensitivities.
Our aim is to develop a clear understanding of a client’s presentation and needs, and to provide tailored recommendations for intervention and ongoing support. Appointments may be delivered remotely or face-to-face depending on individual circumstances and clinical need.
Clinical Interview
A clinical interview involves a meeting with a Clinical Psychologist or Neuropsychologist so that they can learn more about the client, their personal background, their injury, the strengths and difficulties experienced following an injury, and to understand a client's personal goals for rehabilitation and support.
A clinical interview typically lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours and might be conducted alongside further cognitive ("thinking skills") assessment and/or gathering of information from family, friends, and other professionals.
Psychological Interventions for Trauma and PTSD
Trauma affects individuals in different ways, and recovery is not always linear. Individuals may present with a range of difficulties, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation, emotional numbness, dissociation, cognitive difficulties involving attention, concentration or memory, and changes in confidence, identity, and day-to-day functioning.
Neuropsychological interventions are adapted based on each individual’s presentation, experiences, and needs. This is particularly important where trauma is experienced alongside cognitive, physical, or neurological difficulties.
Following assessment, we provide recommendations for ongoing psychological therapy and support. In practice, trauma intervention often involves a combination of approaches delivered flexibly over time.
Our clinicians are experienced in delivering evidence-based trauma-focused therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), adapted where necessary to account for factors such as fatigue, reduced attention, memory difficulties, dizziness, and sensory sensitivities.
EMDR
(Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
EMDR is an evidence-based, NICE-recommended therapy for trauma and post-traumatic stress. It supports individuals to process distressing memories so that they become less emotionally overwhelming and disruptive in day-to-day life.
EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories in a structured and supported way whilst engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory stimulation. Unlike some talking therapies, EMDR does not require individuals to talk through traumatic experiences in extensive detail and can be particularly helpful where memories feel “stuck” or difficult to process.
At Psychologia, EMDR is adapted where necessary to account for cognitive and physical factors, including fatigue, attention difficulties, dizziness, and sensory sensitivities, ensuring that therapy is accessible and well-tolerated.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(TF-CBT)
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma and post-traumatic stress. It supports individuals to understand how traumatic experiences can affect thoughts, emotions, physical responses, and behaviour, and how these difficulties may continue over time.
TF-CBT involves developing coping and emotional regulation strategies, gradually processing trauma-related memories in a safe and supported way, and identifying and changing unhelpful patterns of thinking or avoidance that may be maintaining distress. Therapy is collaborative and tailored to the individual’s goals, experiences, and needs.
At Psychologia, interventions are adapted where necessary to account for cognitive, physical, and neurological factors, including difficulties with attention, memory, fatigue, and emotional regulation, ensuring that therapy remains accessible, manageable, and effective.
Trauma-Informed
Care
Trauma-informed care underpins all of our work. This approach recognises the impact of trauma and prioritises safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment throughout assessment and intervention.
Trauma can affect the brain, nervous system, and the way a person processes and responds to information, even in individuals without a neurological condition or brain injury. Our clinicians draw upon specialist neuropsychological knowledge to understand the cognitive, emotional,
behavioural, and neurobiological impact of trauma, and this informs all aspects of our assessment and therapeutic approach.
We work at a pace that is appropriate for each individual, ensuring that therapy feels safe and manageable. This includes adapting communication, structure, and expectations to support engagement and reduce the risk of overwhelm.
Neuropsychological Interventions and Additional Support
It is common for additional needs to be identified during trauma assessment and intervention.
This may include the need for neuropsychological input, such as cognitive assessment, brain injury education, or support with emotional, behavioural, or adjustment difficulties that may be impacting recovery.
Our clinicians are Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists who are experienced in identifying and delivering integrated interventions to support both psychological and cognitive needs.
Where appropriate, we provide recommendations for further intervention and can deliver this as part of a coordinated, person-centred rehabilitation plan. In some cases, additional input from psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, neurology, or other medical professionals may be indicated. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying these needs, making appropriate referrals, and working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to support holistic care.
For Professionals working with clients with Acquired Brain Injuries
We offer a number of services for professionals working with clients and families following an acquired or traumatic brain injury
Case Consultation
We provide consultation to clinical teams, case managers, and other professionals to support formulation, risk management, and intervention planning for individuals with trauma-related difficulties.
This may include consideration of the interaction between psychological, cognitive, and physical factors, and guidance on how best to support engagement and recovery.
Training and Teaching
We offer bespoke training to healthcare professionals, legal teams, and support providers on trauma, post-traumatic stress, and trauma-informed approaches.
This includes training on working with trauma in the context of acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions, and adapting interventions to meet complex needs.
Clinical Supervision
We provide specialist clinical supervision for professionals working with trauma presentations, particularly where there is complexity relating to cognitive, neurological, or rehabilitation factors.
Our supervision supports clinicians to develop formulation, adapt interventions, and manage the emotional demands of trauma-focused work.
Main Clinic: 10 Harley Street, London, W1G9PF
Telephone: +44 (0) 7930243127
Email: Enquiries@Psychologia.co.uk