Sometimes something happens that stays with us long after the event itself has passed. You might be having upsetting memories or nightmares, feeling on edge, avoiding things that remind you of what happened, or finding that certain situations bring back strong emotions.

You may have experienced a single traumatic event, or difficulties that happened repeatedly over a longer period of time. Sometimes the impact of an experience only becomes apparent much later, particularly when life becomes stressful or circumstances change.

Therapy can help you make sense of what has happened and understand why you may be feeling or reacting in the ways that you do. Depending on what you need, this might begin with finding ways to feel safer, calmer and more in control. When you feel ready, therapy can help you work through difficult memories and experiences so that they have less influence over your life now.

You don't have to forget what happened. The aim is to help you feel less controlled by it and more able to move forward.