Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling, EMDR & CBT for PTSD Fareham

Trauma-focused support at your pace — in person in Fareham, or online across the UK.

When the past will not stay in the past

After something frightening or overwhelming, it is natural to feel shaken for a while. But sometimes the memory does not settle. It can come back as flashbacks or nightmares, leave you on edge or numb, and make you avoid anything that reminds you of what happened.

This is called post-traumatic stress, and it is a normal reaction to an abnormal event, not a sign of weakness. With EMDR, trauma-focused CBT and counselling in Fareham, or online, painful memories can lose their grip, and you can feel safe in yourself again, at a pace that feels right for you.

A woman in an EMDR therapy session for PTSD in Fareham
You do not have to tell us everything. Therapy goes at your pace, and you stay in control.

Signs of PTSD and trauma

Trauma can follow an accident, a loss, an assault, a difficult birth, abuse, military service, or anything that left you feeling unsafe. People from Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport often come to us with some of these.

Flashbacks or unwanted memories Nightmares or poor sleep Feeling on edge or jumpy Avoiding reminders Feeling numb or cut off Irritability or anger Blaming yourself Struggling to trust people Finding it hard to concentrate

Symptoms can start months or even years later. It is never too late to get help, however long ago it happened.

A calm pier stretching out to sea

Your window of tolerance

We all have a zone where we can think, feel and cope. Trauma can shrink it, so small reminders push you into feeling on edge, or into shutting down. Choose a moment, then switch on "After therapy" to see how the window can widen.

ON EDGE WINDOW OF TOLERANCE SHUT DOWN
On edge

Panicky, angry, jumpy, flashbacks, racing thoughts.

Window of tolerance

Able to think clearly, feel your feelings and cope.

Shut down

Numb, foggy, frozen, disconnected or exhausted.

Therapy does not erase what happened. It helps your mind and body learn that the danger is over, so you can live more of your life inside the window.

If you need support right now

If memories are overwhelming you, or you feel unable to keep yourself safe, please reach out now. These services are free and confidential.

What trauma therapy looks like

Good trauma therapy always starts with safety. Most people move through stages like these.

Feeling safe

Getting to know your therapist, and learning grounding skills to calm your body when memories come up.

Processing

With EMDR or trauma-focused CBT, working through the memory in small, manageable pieces.

Making sense

Letting go of self-blame, and seeing yourself and the world in a kinder, more balanced way.

Moving forward

Getting back to the people, places and things you have been avoiding.

A tree in a sunlit field
★★★★★

“If you're hesitant about going for any reason, don't be. … She helped me through some major difficulties that I couldn't see any clear way through. … A huge thank you!”

Brad, Southampton
NICE recommendedEMDR and trauma-focused CBT
EMDR £126Counselling from £72, CBT £90
In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
At your paceYou are always in control

Questions about PTSD and trauma therapy

A confident, smiling woman at home
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a reaction to a frightening or overwhelming event. The memory does not settle, so you may have flashbacks, nightmares, feel on edge, avoid reminders or feel numb. It is common, it is not a sign of weakness, and it is very treatable.
What is complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can develop after trauma that was repeated or went on for a long time, such as childhood abuse, domestic abuse or neglect. As well as PTSD symptoms, people often struggle with managing emotions, feeling worthless and trusting others. Therapy for complex PTSD usually spends longer on building safety first.
Will I have to talk about what happened?
Not in detail, and never before you are ready. You decide how much you share. With EMDR in particular, you do not need to describe the memory out loud for it to be processed.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) uses guided eye movements, tapping or sounds while you briefly bring the memory to mind. This helps your brain process it like an ordinary memory, so it feels less vivid and upsetting. Read more about EMDR.
How many sessions will I need?
For a single event, many people need somewhere around 8 to 12 sessions. Complex or long-term trauma often takes longer. Your therapist will talk this through with you and review progress as you go.
Do you work with veterans and serving personnel?
Yes. We support veterans, serving personnel and their families from across Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Gosport. Combat Stress (0800 138 1619) also offers specialist support for veterans.
Can children and teenagers have trauma therapy?
Yes. We work with children and young people aged 7 to 17, using gentle, age-appropriate approaches and involving parents where it helps.
How much does it cost, and can I have sessions online?
EMDR is £126 a session, CBT is £90 for 50 minutes, and counselling starts from £72. Sessions can be in person in Fareham or online by secure video. Your first 15 minute call is free. See all our prices.
Sunlight coming through a tree in a forest

You can feel safe in yourself again

A free, confidential 15 minute call. You only share what you want to, and we will find the right therapist for you.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
Free, confidential, no obligation

When the past will not stay in the past

After something frightening or overwhelming, it is natural to feel shaken for a while. But sometimes the memory does not settle. It can come back as flashbacks or nightmares, leave you on edge or numb, and make you avoid anything that reminds you of what happened.

This is called post-traumatic stress, and it is a normal reaction to an abnormal event, not a sign of weakness. With EMDR, trauma-focused CBT and counselling in Fareham, or online, painful memories can lose their grip, and you can feel safe in yourself again, at a pace that feels right for you.

A woman in an EMDR therapy session for PTSD in Fareham
You do not have to tell us everything. Therapy goes at your pace, and you stay in control.

Signs of PTSD and trauma

Trauma can follow an accident, a loss, an assault, a difficult birth, abuse, military service, or anything that left you feeling unsafe. People from Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport often come to us with some of these.

Flashbacks or unwanted memories Nightmares or poor sleep Feeling on edge or jumpy Avoiding reminders Feeling numb or cut off Irritability or anger Blaming yourself Struggling to trust people Finding it hard to concentrate

Symptoms can start months or even years later. It is never too late to get help, however long ago it happened.

A calm pier stretching out to sea

Your window of tolerance

We all have a zone where we can think, feel and cope. Trauma can shrink it, so small reminders push you into feeling on edge, or into shutting down. Choose a moment, then switch on "After therapy" to see how the window can widen.

ON EDGE WINDOW OF TOLERANCE SHUT DOWN
On edge

Panicky, angry, jumpy, flashbacks, racing thoughts.

Window of tolerance

Able to think clearly, feel your feelings and cope.

Shut down

Numb, foggy, frozen, disconnected or exhausted.

Therapy does not erase what happened. It helps your mind and body learn that the danger is over, so you can live more of your life inside the window.

If you need support right now

If memories are overwhelming you, or you feel unable to keep yourself safe, please reach out now. These services are free and confidential.

What trauma therapy looks like

Good trauma therapy always starts with safety. Most people move through stages like these.

Feeling safe

Getting to know your therapist, and learning grounding skills to calm your body when memories come up.

Processing

With EMDR or trauma-focused CBT, working through the memory in small, manageable pieces.

Making sense

Letting go of self-blame, and seeing yourself and the world in a kinder, more balanced way.

Moving forward

Getting back to the people, places and things you have been avoiding.

A tree in a sunlit field
★★★★★

“If you're hesitant about going for any reason, don't be. … She helped me through some major difficulties that I couldn't see any clear way through. … A huge thank you!”

Brad, Southampton
NICE recommendedEMDR and trauma-focused CBT
EMDR £126Counselling from £72, CBT £90
In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
At your paceYou are always in control

Questions about PTSD and trauma therapy

A confident, smiling woman at home
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a reaction to a frightening or overwhelming event. The memory does not settle, so you may have flashbacks, nightmares, feel on edge, avoid reminders or feel numb. It is common, it is not a sign of weakness, and it is very treatable.
What is complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can develop after trauma that was repeated or went on for a long time, such as childhood abuse, domestic abuse or neglect. As well as PTSD symptoms, people often struggle with managing emotions, feeling worthless and trusting others. Therapy for complex PTSD usually spends longer on building safety first.
Will I have to talk about what happened?
Not in detail, and never before you are ready. You decide how much you share. With EMDR in particular, you do not need to describe the memory out loud for it to be processed.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) uses guided eye movements, tapping or sounds while you briefly bring the memory to mind. This helps your brain process it like an ordinary memory, so it feels less vivid and upsetting. Read more about EMDR.
How many sessions will I need?
For a single event, many people need somewhere around 8 to 12 sessions. Complex or long-term trauma often takes longer. Your therapist will talk this through with you and review progress as you go.
Do you work with veterans and serving personnel?
Yes. We support veterans, serving personnel and their families from across Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Gosport. Combat Stress (0800 138 1619) also offers specialist support for veterans.
Can children and teenagers have trauma therapy?
Yes. We work with children and young people aged 7 to 17, using gentle, age-appropriate approaches and involving parents where it helps.
How much does it cost, and can I have sessions online?
EMDR is £126 a session, CBT is £90 for 50 minutes, and counselling starts from £72. Sessions can be in person in Fareham or online by secure video. Your first 15 minute call is free. See all our prices.
Sunlight coming through a tree in a forest

You can feel safe in yourself again

A free, confidential 15 minute call. You only share what you want to, and we will find the right therapist for you.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
Free, confidential, no obligation