Topics · Nicosia
Trauma: when an experience will not stay in the past
After something very frightening or painful, it is normal not to feel like yourself for a while. If the experience keeps following you, you can ask for support, at your own pace.
What we mean by trauma
Psychological trauma is the effect that an experience can leave behind when it frightened us, hurt us deeply or made us feel in danger. It might be an accident, a serious illness, a loss, a natural disaster, violence or abuse. It might have happened once, or gone on for a long time.
Not everyone reacts in the same way. Many people slowly feel better with time and with support from those around them. For others, the effects carry on for months or appear later. This is not a weakness. It is the mind's way of trying to protect itself. Trauma can affect children, teenagers and adults.
Signs you may notice
Some things people often describe after a traumatic experience are:
- Memories or images that come back suddenly, or nightmares
- Avoiding places, people or conversations that bring it back
- Feeling tense, jumpy or constantly on guard
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling numb, cut off from others, or guilty
- Anger or irritability that was not there before
In children and teenagers
Children do not always talk about what happened. They may show it in their play or drawings, cling to you, be afraid to sleep alone or go back to habits from when they were younger. Teenagers may shut down, get angry easily or take risks.
What helps most is a calm adult who is there, who listens without pushing and who keeps daily life as steady as possible.
How we can help
International guidance, such as that from NICE, recommends trauma-focused psychological therapies, and many people find that with this kind of help the experience stops running their life. The work is done with care. First we build safety and trust and learn ways to calm down when tension rises. You do not need to share anything before you feel ready.
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia, we offer individual sessions for adults, children and teenagers, sessions with parents and families, and assessments. If needed, we work with an associate psychiatrist. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY, in Greek, English or Romanian.
Your first session
In the first session you will not be asked to describe what happened in detail. We will talk about how you are today, what is hard for you and what would help you feel safer. You set the pace, and what you share stays confidential.
When to get help straight away
If you are in danger now, if someone is threatening or hurting you, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital. Your safety comes first.
Frequently asked questions
It happened years ago. Is it worth getting help now?
Yes. Help can be useful however much time has passed. Many people look for support years after a difficult experience.
Will I have to talk about what happened?
Only when, and as much as, you feel ready. Therapy starts with safety and with the present. Nothing happens without your agreement.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. Some people find it easier to talk from their own space. Sessions take place in person in Latsia or online.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- World Health Organization: Post-traumatic stress disorder
- NHS: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- NICE: Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116)
- American Psychological Association: Trauma
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.