PTSD therapy in bristol

We offer trauma-focused CBT for PTSD and C-PTSD in Bristol, with careful assessment, collaborative planning and therapy paced around your needs

Speak to a therapist How PTSD therapy works

Is PTSD or C-PTSD therapy the right next step?

You may be looking for help with flashbacks, nightmares, feeling constantly on edge, avoidance, guilt, shame or difficulties linked to repeated trauma. An initial conversation can help us understand what you are experiencing and whether our PTSD or C-PTSD therapy may be suitable for you.

Any treatment recommendation will be based on assessment and your individual needs.

Our process

How trauma-focused CBT for PTSD works

Trauma-focused CBT for PTSD can help you understand reactions to trauma, manage distress and flashbacks, and explore the meanings and emotions connected with what happened. Treatment may also involve carefully paced work with trauma memories and reducing patterns of avoidance.

We agree the focus and pace of this trauma therapy with you and adapt it to your individual needs, with progress reviewed throughout.

Guide to PTSD

Who provides PTSD therapy at NOSA?

Our clinicians provide PTSD and trauma therapy in Bristol and online, with treatment shaped around each person’s needs and circumstances. You can learn more about our team, their clinical backgrounds and the approaches they use before deciding whether to get in touch.

Meet our clinicans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. You may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, feeling constantly on edge, or changes in mood and beliefs. We use assessment to understand how these difficulties are affecting you and what type of support may be most suitable.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD)

C-PTSD can be associated with repeated or prolonged trauma. Alongside PTSD symptoms, some people experience difficulties with emotions, relationships and how they see themselves. In these cases, therapy may need to be more carefully paced and tailored to the individual.

Common experiences associated with PTSD

PTSD can affect people in different ways. Some experiences may be more noticeable than others, and they can change over time.

Intrusive memories and nightmares

You may experience unwanted memories, vivid images, nightmares or moments when the trauma feels as though it is happening again.

Feeling on edge or physically anxious

You may feel constantly alert, easily startled, tense or unable to relax, with physical symptoms of anxiety also becoming more noticeable.

Avoiding reminders or difficult feelings

You may find yourself avoiding places, situations, conversations or emotions that bring back memories of what happened.

Changes in mood, trust, guilt or shame

Trauma can affect how you feel about yourself, other people and the world around you, sometimes leading to guilt, shame, low mood or difficulties trusting others.

Considering PTSD or
C-PTSD therapy?

If you are thinking about PTSD or C-PTSD therapy, you can talk to us about what you are experiencing and whether our Bristol or online service may be suitable for you.

Speak to a therapist

How PTSD therapy in Bristol starts

A simple four-step pathway

Make contact

Get in touch and share a little about what you are looking for help with. You can also ask any questions you have about the service.

Initial consultation

We will talk through your current difficulties, what you would like help with and whether our PTSD or C-PTSD service may be a suitable fit.

Treatment recommendations

Following assessment, we will explain the treatment options that may be appropriate and talk through the next steps with you.

Your decision

You can take time to consider the information, ask further questions and decide whether you would like to continue with therapy.

Questions about PTSD therapy

Concise decision support, using the treatment and suitability wording above.

Do I need a PTSD diagnosis before contacting NOSA?

You do not need to know exactly what treatment you need before getting in touch. We can discuss what you are experiencing and whether an assessment for PTSD or C-PTSD therapy may be a suitable next step.

Can you support people with C-PTSD?

Yes, we work with people experiencing difficulties associated with complex PTSD. C-PTSD therapy may need a more tailored and carefully paced approach, which we can discuss with you during assessment.

What happens during the initial consultation?

The initial consultation gives us a chance to understand your current difficulties, what you would like help with and whether our approach may be suitable. You can also ask questions about PTSD treatment and what the next steps might involve.

Can I see a PTSD therapist in Bristol or online?

Yes. We provide PTSD therapy in Bristol and online. If you are looking for a PTSD therapist in Bristol, we can discuss your needs, availability and the most suitable way to begin.