NCPS-Accredited · Trauma-Informed Approach
PTSD & cPTSD Therapy
Confidential, evidence-based support for post-traumatic stress disorder and Complex PTSD — helping you understand what’s happening and find a genuine path forward.
- ~20%of people develop PTSD following a traumatic event
- 40-46%NHS recovery rates for trauma-focused CBT and EMDR
What Is PTSD? Symptoms, Diagnosis & Complex PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a recognised mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event — such as an accident, assault, abuse, or a life-threatening situation. Research suggests around 20% of people develop PTSD following a traumatic event, though most people who experience trauma do not go on to develop it.
PTSD is diagnosed when specific symptoms persist for more than a month after the event and significantly affect daily life — this is what distinguishes it from the more general impact of trauma covered on the main Trauma Therapy page.
Symptoms of PTSD
Clinically, PTSD symptoms fall into recognised clusters:
Re-experiencing
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories of the event.
Avoidance
Avoiding people, places, or reminders of the trauma.
Negative Mood
Persistent negative beliefs, guilt, shame, or numbness.
Hyperarousal
Easily startled, on guard, irritable, poor sleep.
What Is Complex PTSD (cPTSD)?
Complex PTSD is a distinct diagnosis, formally recognised in the ICD-11 (the World Health Organization’s diagnostic manual), building on the concept first described by psychiatrist Judith Herman. It develops from prolonged or repeated trauma — often childhood abuse, domestic violence, captivity, or sustained interpersonal harm — where escape was difficult or impossible.
Affective Dysregulation
Difficulty managing emotional reactions, or emotional numbness.
Negative Self-Concept
Persistent feelings of worthlessness, shame, or being fundamentally damaged.
Disturbed Relationships
Ongoing difficulty trusting others or maintaining close relationships.
How Is PTSD Treated? Getting Over Post-Traumatic Stress
The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) as first-line treatments for PTSD.
~40%
Recovery rate, trauma-focused CBT (NHS data)
~46%
Recovery rate, EMDR (NHS data)
OUR APPROACH
Our Approach to PTSD & cPTSD Therapy
Trauma-informed care means safety comes first, always. Our approach draws on Judith Herman’s three-stage recovery model — safety and stabilisation, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection — combined with the following, adapted to whether you’re dealing with a single-incident trauma or the longer-term impact of Complex PTSD:
1
Person-Centred Therapy
A supportive, non-judgemental space to be heard.
2
Psychodynamic Therapy
Understanding how the past shapes present patterns.
3
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Shifting unhelpful thought patterns sustained by trauma.
4
Attachment Theory
Especially relevant where relational trust has been affected.
A note on evidence-based PTSD treatments: the wider field’s NICE-recommended approaches include Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR, both established, evidence-based treatments for processing traumatic memories.
MEET YOUR THERAPIST
Nariman Al-Aloosi
Nariman is an NCPS-accredited psychotherapist based in Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, with over 12 years of experience supporting clients through PTSD and a wide range of other difficulties. Her approach is integrative, Person-Centred, CBT, Psychodynamic, and Attachment-based adapted to what actually helps, not a fixed programme. Nariman also brings direct clinical experience from an NHS sexual health clinic and hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, accredited by Middlesex University.
Nariman works with clients of all backgrounds. Everything discussed in session is entirely confidential.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Is PTSD & cPTSD Therapy Right for You?
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories that won't settle
- Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of what happened
- Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or unable to relax
- Difficulty regulating strong emotions, or feeling emotionally numb
- Persistent feelings of shame, worthlessness, or being "damaged"
- Symptoms following prolonged or repeated past experiences, particularly in childhood
- Ongoing difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
If your experience feels more recent, less severe, or you’re unsure whether it meets the fuller diagnostic picture, the general Trauma Therapy page may be the right starting point instead.
WHERE I PRACTISE IN KENT
In-Person in Kings Hill, or Online Across Kent
PTSD and cPTSD therapy is delivered within Individual Therapy sessions. In-person sessions are available at the Kings Hill, West Malling practice, with online sessions available across Kent.
MORE SUPPORT
PTSD & cPTSD Therapy Often Connects To
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About PTSD & cPTSD Therapy
PTSD develops from a single traumatic event or a short series of events. Complex PTSD develops from prolonged or repeated trauma — often childhood abuse or sustained interpersonal harm — and includes additional difficulties with emotional regulation, self-concept, and relationships, on top of the core PTSD symptoms.
Through structured, evidence-based treatment — commonly Trauma-Focused CBT or EMDR — that helps reprocess traumatic memories so they stop feeling like a present danger. “Getting over” it doesn’t mean forgetting; it means the memory no longer controls your nervous system day to day.
NICE recommends Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR as first-line treatments, both with strong evidence and meaningful recovery rates. The right choice often depends on personal preference and the nature of the trauma.
Trauma-Focused CBT for straightforward PTSD is typically delivered over 8 to 12 sessions. Complex PTSD usually requires longer-term work, often many months or longer, given the broader scope of what’s being rebuilt.
No — you can start therapy with clinically significant symptoms even without a formal diagnosis. A GP or specialist assessment can help clarify a diagnosis if that’s useful to you, but it isn’t required to begin.
Yes — in-person sessions are available in Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, alongside online sessions.
Yes, entirely. Nothing discussed in session is shared with anyone else, including your GP, except in rare situations required by law around risk of serious harm.
Start PTSD & cPTSD Therapy Today
Book a confidential 10-minute intro call — no pressure, just a chance to talk through what’s going on and see if it’s the right fit.