Counselling First

Counselling First A safe place to explore your concerns. We are qualified therapists/ traumatologists and online counselling and supervision. EMDR available

We are a team of 3 therapists all specialising in trauma.

Not all trauma looks the same. Many people think trauma means a single, dramatic event. In reality, it can be a slow bui...
08/12/2025

Not all trauma looks the same.

Many people think trauma means a single, dramatic event. In reality, it can be a slow build-up of stress, loss, or difficult experiences over time. The effects are real, even if they’re invisible to others.

You’re not alone if you’re struggling to make sense of your feelings. There are evidence-based therapies—like EMDR and Alpha Stims—that help you process trauma gently and safely, at your pace.

Curious about how trauma therapy really works? Reach out for a confidential chat or visit our website to learn more.

Healing from trauma is truly possible.Many believe trauma is a life sentence. In reality, your brain and body can recove...
05/12/2025

Healing from trauma is truly possible.

Many believe trauma is a life sentence. In reality, your brain and body can recover with the right support. Evidence-based therapies like EMDR and Alpha Stims are transforming lives every day.

Curious about how trauma therapy works, or unsure if it’s for you? Let’s talk. Your questions are always welcome.

Ready to explore your next step? Visit counsellingfirst.com or message me directly for a confidential chat.

PTSD is more common than you think.Many people believe trauma is a life sentence. In reality, evidence-based therapies l...
03/12/2025

PTSD is more common than you think.

Many people believe trauma is a life sentence. In reality, evidence-based therapies like EMDR and Alpha Stims can help the brain heal, even after years of pain. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Curious about how trauma therapy works? Let’s talk. Your journey to healing can start today.

Does PTSD get worse with age? It's a question many of my clients ask, and the answer is nuanced. While some people find ...
22/11/2025

Does PTSD get worse with age? It's a question many of my clients ask, and the answer is nuanced. While some people find that unprocessed trauma becomes more noticeable as they get older, PTSD doesn't have to define your later years. With the right support and evidence-based therapy like EMDR, healing is absolutely possible at any age. If you're struggling with trauma from your past, you don't have to carry it alone. Let's work together to help you find peace and move forward. 💙 Ready to start your healing journey? Get in touch for a initial consultation.

Does PTSD Get Worse with Age?It's a question I hear often from clients: "Will my trauma symptoms get worse as I get olde...
15/11/2025

Does PTSD Get Worse with Age?

It's a question I hear often from clients: "Will my trauma symptoms get worse as I get older?"

The short answer? Not necessarily – and here's what the research actually shows.

PTSD doesn't automatically worsen with age. What *can* change is how it shows up. Some people find their symptoms actually improve over time, especially with proper support and evidence-based treatment like EMDR. Others may experience shifts in how trauma affects them – maybe physical symptoms become more noticeable, or emotional triggers feel different.

What matters most isn't your age – it's getting the right help. Trauma that's been untreated for years can feel heavier, yes. But that's not because of age itself; it's because the wound has had time to deepen without healing.

The good news? It's never too late. I've worked with clients in their 70s and 80s who've experienced profound healing from trauma they've carried for decades. Age isn't a barrier to recovery – it's just part of your story.

If you're wondering whether your PTSD might worsen, or you're ready to explore healing at any age, let's talk. Recovery is possible, whatever stage of life you're in.

📞 Book a consultation today – flexible online and in-person options available.

Myth: "Only big events count as trauma" ❌Truth: Trauma isn't about size—it's about impact. Your nervous system doesn't c...
12/11/2025

Myth: "Only big events count as trauma" ❌

Truth: Trauma isn't about size—it's about impact. Your nervous system doesn't compare. A "small" event can absolutely create a trauma response if it overwhelmed you at the time. Repeated criticism, feeling unsupported, witnessing something distressing—these all count. If it affected you deeply, it matters. You deserve support. 💙

Freud’s Defence Mechanisms Series: Regression.Ever caught yourself reaching for old comforts during stress, like a child...
12/11/2025

Freud’s Defence Mechanisms Series: Regression.

Ever caught yourself reaching for old comforts during stress, like a childhood snack or favourite book? That’s regression—returning to familiar habits when life feels overwhelming. It’s a gentle way our minds try to find safety, even well into adulthood.

When do you notice yourself “going back” to old comforts and how do they help?

PTSD isn’t a life sentence—healing happens.Many people believe trauma is something you just ‘live with’. In reality, evi...
12/11/2025

PTSD isn’t a life sentence—healing happens.

Many people believe trauma is something you just ‘live with’. In reality, evidence-based therapies like EMDR can help your brain process trauma and find relief. You don’t have to face it alone, and recovery is possible at any age.

Curious about how trauma therapy works, or if it’s right for you? Visit counsellingfirst.com to learn more about our gentle, personalised approach. 🦋

Take the first step—your story isn’t over.

Myth: "You should just get over it" ❌Truth: Trauma doesn't have a timeline. Healing is personal, not linear. Your nervou...
11/11/2025

Myth: "You should just get over it" ❌

Truth: Trauma doesn't have a timeline. Healing is personal, not linear. Your nervous system needs time to learn it's safe again. There's no "should." Only your pace. You're not broken. You're healing. 💙

Real change begins with a single step.One client arrived feeling lost in the aftermath of trauma—overwhelmed, anxious, u...
11/11/2025

Real change begins with a single step.

One client arrived feeling lost in the aftermath of trauma—overwhelmed, anxious, unsure if hope was possible. With patience and evidence-based support, they found clarity, confidence, and a sense of peace they hadn’t felt in years.

Every journey is unique, and healing is possible—no matter how long you’ve carried the weight.

If you’re ready to take your first step, reach out in confidence today. 🌱

Myth: "Talking about trauma makes it worse" ❌Truth: Avoidance keeps trauma stuck. Speaking about it—safely and with supp...
10/11/2025

Myth: "Talking about trauma makes it worse" ❌

Truth: Avoidance keeps trauma stuck. Speaking about it—safely and with support—is how healing happens. Your nervous system needs to know it's safe. A trained therapist can help you process at your own pace. Silence doesn't protect you. Connection does. 💙

PTSD doesn’t have to last forever.Many people believe trauma is a life sentence—but science tells a different story. Wit...
07/11/2025

PTSD doesn’t have to last forever.

Many people believe trauma is a life sentence—but science tells a different story. With the right support and evidence-based treatments, recovery is possible for everyone.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, you’re not alone. Reach out today to learn how therapy can help you move forward. 💬

Address

Romford
RM53EL

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