At Talk Works, we know that trauma doesn’t always show up in the ways you expect. It can sit quietly beneath the surface for years, only to resurface when you least expect it, affecting how you think, feel, and function every day. That’s why it’s so important to talk about PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), not just what it is, but how to spot it, and how to get help that works.
What causes PTSD?
PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While it’s often associated with experiences like combat, serious accidents, or physical assault, trauma is deeply personal, and the same event may impact different people in different ways.
Some common causes of PTSD include:
- Road traffic accidents
- Sudden loss or bereavement
- Physical or sexual assault
- Domestic abuse
- Childhood trauma
- Medical trauma (e.g. invasive procedures or ICU stays)
- Workplace trauma or bullying
- Natural disasters
It’s important to remember that PTSD doesn’t always develop immediately. Symptoms can appear weeks, months, or even years after the event.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD affects both the mind and the body. It can disrupt your ability to focus, sleep, trust others, and feel safe. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoidance of places or people that trigger memories
- Feeling constantly on edge (hypervigilance)
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Physical symptoms like muscle tension or nausea
- A sense of detachment from others
- Feelings of shame, guilt or hopelessness
These symptoms can range in intensity and might not always be obvious to others. That’s why PTSD is often called “the hidden wound.”
How can therapy help?
There are several evidence-based therapies that can be highly effective in treating PTSD. One of the most talked-about, and powerful, is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).
In our first ever Talk Works Podcast, our Clinical Lead Paul O’Donnell, explains how EMDR works:
“When we experience trauma, the brain can get stuck, like a record that keeps skipping. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, whether that’s eye movements, tapping, or tones, to help ‘unblock’ those memories and allow the brain to process them properly.”
One of the most encouraging things about EMDR is the speed at which some people see results. A 2020 study in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that up to 77% of people with PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria after just a few EMDR sessions.
Paul also highlights a key benefit:
“You don’t have to go into all the details of the trauma for EMDR to work. It’s more about how it shows up in your body, and how we can help reduce that distress.”
Other effective therapies for PTSD
While EMDR is a go-to for trauma, it’s not the only option. Different people respond to different approaches. That’s why we also offer:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – Focuses on how your thoughts, behaviours, and beliefs are shaped by trauma, and how to reframe them.
- Trauma-Informed Counselling – Provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the impact of trauma on your emotions and relationships.
- Integrative Psychotherapy – Tailors elements from multiple models to meet your specific needs.
PTSD in the UK and the bigger picture
According to the charity PTSD UK, an estimated 1 in 10 people in the UK will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Yet many go undiagnosed or unsupported, often because they don’t recognise their symptoms as PTSD, or they’re unsure how to access help.
Waiting times for trauma therapy on the NHS can be over 6 months in some areas, and many services are not trauma-specific. At Talk Works, we aim to offer rapid access to therapy, so you don’t have to wait to start healing.
What can you do?
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of PTSD, here’s what can help:
- Reach out for support, early intervention makes a difference
- Consider trauma-informed therapy options like EMDR or CBT
- Avoid pressuring yourself to “move on”, healing isn’t linear
- Learn your triggers and build strategies to manage them
- Know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to do this by yourself
Final thoughts
PTSD isn’t a weakness. It’s a very real, very human response to overwhelming stress. But with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible.
If you think you might be struggling with PTSD, or you simply want to understand your experience better, we’re here to help. Whether you want to talk, learn more, or access therapy, the first step is reaching out.
Want to learn more about EMDR and other therapy options? Click here for our individual therapy options.
Listen to Paul O’Donnell break it down in our podcast here: