Trauma Counselling in Newton Abbot
When you’ve experienced something painful or overwhelming, it can leave a lasting impact — emotionally, mentally, and physically. Even long after an event, you might still feel on edge, haunted by memories, angry or numb. Through trauma counselling in Newton Abbot, I offer a safe, compassionate space to help you begin processing those experiences and start to understand why you feel and react in the ways that you do.
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.”
— Laurell K. Hamilton
Trauma can come from many different experiences — a sudden event, a period of ongoing stress, or times in life that are overwhelming and too much to cope with. It might follow an accident, abuse, illness, loss, or growing up in an environment that didn’t feel safe or predictable. Trauma can make it hard to feel calm or connected and can set the body to a constant state of alert, even when there’s no real danger, Some people notice panic or exhaustion; others feel distant, shut down, or unsure why they react the way they do.
Counselling offers a space to start understanding what’s happening. It can help you piece together how past experiences have shaped the way you feel and respond , and over time, you can be supported to feel safer in your own body, more present in daily life, and more able to make choices that feel like your own. Healing from trauma doesn’t mean forgetting what happened; it means gradually reclaiming a sense of control, self-trust, and a belief in the possibilities of the here and now.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can leave lasting imprints — not just as memories, but as physical tension, emotional overwhelm, or a sense of being on alert even when you’re safe. You might notice changes in how you feel, think, or connect with others, sometimes without fully understanding why. These are common responses to experiences that when they were happening, were too much to process at the time.
Some common trauma responses include:
Feeling anxious, on edge, or easily startled
Difficulty sleeping or fully relaxing
Avoiding people, places, or situations that bring up memories of the past
Feeling detached, disconnected, or emotionally numb
Experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts
Finding it hard to trust others or maintain close relationships
In counselling you can to begin working through these experiences at your own pace, and in a way that feels safe- you won’t feel pressured into disclosing or revealing anything you don’t feel ready to.
How Counselling Can Help
Working to build a trusting relationship is the starting point for helping you process traumatic experiences. Trauma isn’t the thing that happened to you – it’s how your body and mind respond to what’s happened to you- something that can feel like it’s beyond your control.
Healing from trauma takes time and care. Our sessions will focus on building safety, understanding your emotions, and developing coping tools that support your recovery. I’ll draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including grounding techniques, emotional regulation, and body-based awareness to support both mind and body in healing. This way, we can work toward reducing your distress, improving your emotional stability, and restoring your compassion and connection with yourself.
samantha@candlewoodcounselling
Taking The Next Step
You don’t have to struggle with your thoughts and feelings alone. Reaching out for support is a powerful first step on the path to healing.
If you’d like to explore trauma counselling in Newton Abbot or have questions about how I work, please get in touch.