Supporting you after trauma

Trauma can affect every person differently. It may influence how you think, feel, relate to others, and cope with everyday life. Whether your experiences are recent or from the past, our clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help you process what has happened and move towards recovery.

We offer assessment and treatment for both children (aged 5+) and adults, with support tailored to your individual needs.

What is trauma?

Trauma is a response to an event or series of events that feel overwhelming or difficult to cope with. It can affect emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing, both immediately and long after the event has occurred. Trauma may result from a single incident or develop through repeated or ongoing experiences.

Traumatic experiences can affect people in different ways and may occur in a variety of circumstances:

  • You may be directly involved in the traumatic event

  • As a witness, you may see how someone else is affected by an event

  • You may learn about an event which has happened to a loved one

  • A community or group you are a part of experiences a collective trauma

  • You may narrowly avoid a traumatic event which may still cause significant distress

Signs you may need support after trauma

Whilst many people recover following a traumatic event, some may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can emerge shortly after the event or months, and sometimes years, later.

Symptoms may fluctuate over time, with periods where they feel less noticeable followed by times when they become more intense or distressing.

  • Re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories, images, or sensations

  • Avoidance: actively avoiding reminders or thinking about it

  • Emotional numbing: feeling emotionally disconnected or detached from others

  • Hyperarousal: feeling ‘on edge’, easily startled, or constantly alert to potential threats

  • Other concerns: anxiety, depression, difficulties with relationships, or physical health symptoms

Trauma related conditions

There are several trauma-related conditions. These are the conditions we most commonly support.

Acute Stress Disorder

Acute Stress Disorder is a short-term mental health condition that occurs immediately after, or within four weeks of, a traumatic event.

Key symptoms include severe anxiety, flashbacks, dissociation and intrusive thoughts.

PTSD

PTSD may be diagnosed if mental health symptoms relating to the traumatic event last longer than one month.

Symptoms are similar to those of Acute Stress Disorder and may include flashbacks, avoidance of reminders or triggers, negative thoughts, low mood, anxiety, and feeling ‘on edge’.

Complex-PTSD

Complex PTSD is similar to PTSD; however, it typically develops following repeated or ongoing trauma rather than a single traumatic event.

It includes the same symptoms as PTSD, in addition to difficulties controlling emotions, negative self view, detachment and relationship difficulties.

Support for adults

Our adult clinical team has helped lots of people overcome and learn to manage their symptoms of OCD. As a psychiatrist-led team, we can support you through a range of talking therapies, medications or both. Talking therapies may include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Medication if required

Support for young people

We have a dedicated Child and Adolescent Mental Health service, with Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists who are specially trained to help young people navigate mental health difficulties. Support for young people experiencing OCD may include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Medication if required

Meet our clinicians

Dr Amelia Lapraik

Adult Perinatal Psychiatrist BSc MBBS MCRPsych

Dr Patrick Davey

MOAI Founder & Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist NHS Clinical Entrepreneur BM BSc PGDip (OXON) MRCPsych

Dr Shivani Patel

Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist MA(Oxon) BMBCH MRCPsych

Dr Anthony Brown

Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult and Older Adult Psychiatry MB BS BSc (Hons) MRCPsych

Jess Pinson

Occupational Therapist (Adult & CAMHS) BSc Psychology (Hons), PGdip Occupational Therapy

Dr Hannah Huang

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist MBBS BSc (Hons) MRCPsych

Dr Gavin Tucker

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist MB BCh BAO MSc MRCPsych

Lucy George

Assistant Psychologist BSc

Book now

Complete this form to book a free and informal discussion with a MOAI psychiatrist.

Alternatively you can use the contact details below:

Email: contact-us@moaihealth.app

Tel: 0204 614 3609