Abnormal experiences can trigger abnormal reactions. Whereas normal, everyday experiences soon become past memories, traumatic events can sometimes take a while for our brains to 'process' and 'file away'.

Unusual symptoms are common during the days following the shock of a traumatic event.

These may include:

• Re-experiencing the event (flashbacks)

• Trouble sleeping and distressing dreams

• Intense anxiety when exposed to things / people / places connected to the event

• Feeling irritable, with problems concentrating

• An exaggerated 'startle' response

For a full PTSD Symptom Checklist, which you can fill in on line, go to: http://ptsd.factsforhealth.org/ptsdtest1.html

These feelings can be very upsetting and disturbing, but they are a normal reaction to an abnormal experience. Some people worry that they cannot prevent it happening again. The lack of control over the incident can lead to feeling loss of control over other areas in life. It can feel like you're going mad.
Past traumas or recent major emotional upheavals can mean that some people are more likely to become 'stuck' with a debilitating traumatic memory - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
For the majority of people, trauma symptoms gradually disappear within 2-4 weeks. No one needs to accept and learn to live with extreme discomfort due to an emotional shock. If symptoms are still uncomfortable after 4 weeks, get help!

I am trained in incident debriefing and responding to the effects of trauma and make use of some quick and very effective techniques to de-traumatise people quickly and safely. I can help you make sense of and 'process' the experience, reduce symptoms and help you to feel better, fast! Counselling can help prevent PTSD.  Work on recent trauma usually takes 2-4 sessions, which may be up to 2 hours long at the start.  (Special rates apply)

Phobias

A phobia is an irrational and over-whelming fear or aversion to something. It can get in the way of living a full and normal life.
Some fears are common, such as fear of heights, enclosed spaces, of going out, or fear of flying. Other phobic responses are less common, but equally distressing.

In the last 10-15 years, proven techniques for curing phobias have been developed which are safe, quick, comfortable and effective. These techniques work with adults and children, often in only 1 or 2 sessions. No one now needs to adapt his or her lifestyle to accommodate a phobia!

www.trauma-pages.com (useful website)

"Joe was excellent throughout our sessions. She has really helped both my wife and I turn our experience into positive energy." (Nick - plane crash)

"To be able to discuss what I was feeling to someone neutral but who I trusted and to hear it was normal made all the difference and really helped the healing. I feel I have tools to move forward. "  (Claire)