Experiencing trauma can change the way we think, feel and relate to the world. While many people gradually recover after difficult experiences, others develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), conditions that can significantly affect relationships, work, sleep and emotional wellbeing.
The good news is that PTSD and CPTSD are highly treatable. Research consistently shows that trauma-focused psychological therapies are among the most effective treatments available, helping many people achieve meaningful and lasting recovery.
At Bloomfield Health, we are delighted to welcome Dr Perera-Delcourt, Principal Clinical Psychologist, whose extensive experience in trauma-focused therapies further strengthens our specialist trauma service.
PTSD can develop following exposure to a traumatic event such as:
Symptoms commonly include:
Complex PTSD (CPTSD), recognised in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), usually develops after prolonged or repeated interpersonal trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic abuse, trafficking, torture or captivity.
In addition to the core symptoms of PTSD, people with CPTSD often experience:
Many individuals with CPTSD have also developed understandable coping strategies that helped them survive earlier adversity but may no longer be helpful in the present.
Not all therapy is specifically designed to treat trauma.
While supportive therapy can provide valuable emotional support, evidence consistently shows that trauma-focused psychological therapies are most effective at treating PTSD because they directly help the brain process traumatic memories rather than simply talking about them.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends trauma-focused psychological therapies as the first-line treatment for PTSD whenever appropriate.
Two of the most well-established approaches are:
Trauma-Focused CBT is a structured, evidence-based treatment that helps people understand how traumatic experiences continue to influence thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviour.
Rather than asking someone to “forget” what happened, TF-CBT aims to help the brain recognise that the trauma belongs in the past rather than feeling as though it is happening in the present.
Treatment is carefully paced and may include:
For people with complex trauma, therapy often also includes work on emotional regulation, interpersonal difficulties and rebuilding a stable sense of self.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another highly effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
During EMDR, the therapist helps the individual recall aspects of a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided eye movements, although tapping or auditory tones may also be used.
Researchers believe this process helps the brain reprocess memories that have become “stuck” following trauma, allowing them to be stored more adaptively.
People often report that after successful EMDR:
Although the exact neurobiological mechanisms continue to be investigated, EMDR has one of the strongest evidence bases for treating PTSD and is recommended by NICE and many international clinical guidelines.
Complex PTSD often requires a broader, individualised approach.
Many people benefit from a phase-based model of treatment, which may include:
Phase 1: Stabilisation
Developing emotional regulation skills, improving safety, strengthening relationships and building resilience before trauma processing begins.
Phase 2: Trauma Processing
Using therapies such as trauma-focused CBT or EMDR to process traumatic memories.
Phase 3: Reintegration
Supporting people to reconnect with valued activities, relationships, identity and future goals.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual. Some people move quickly through these phases, while others benefit from spending longer developing stability before processing traumatic memories.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Perera-Delcourt, Principal Clinical Psychologist, to Bloomfield Health.
Dr Perera-Delcourt is an experienced clinical psychologist with expertise in:
Over the past two decades, he has worked across NHS and independent services, supporting adults of all ages with evidence-based psychological therapies.
His therapeutic style is warm, collaborative and practical, combining compassionate understanding with scientifically grounded interventions tailored to each person’s individual needs and goals.
Before joining Bloomfield Health, Dr Perera-Delcourt worked at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma (CADAT) at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
CADAT is one of the UK’s leading specialist psychological treatment centres for anxiety disorders and trauma-related conditions. Based within the internationally recognised Maudsley Hospital, the service provides highly specialised assessment and treatment for individuals with complex presentations that often require advanced psychological expertise.
The service has played an important role in developing and evaluating evidence-based treatments for PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety, panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. It is closely linked with King’s College London and has contributed significantly to international research into cognitive behavioural therapies.
Experience within a nationally recognised specialist service means clinicians gain extensive expertise in delivering complex, evidence-based psychological interventions to individuals with severe or longstanding difficulties.
At Bloomfield Health, we recognise that recovery from trauma is rarely one-size-fits-all.
Our multidisciplinary team includes consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists who work together when appropriate to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment.
Where clinically indicated, treatment may include:
Our aim is always to provide evidence-based care that is compassionate, collaborative and tailored to the individual.
Many people delay seeking help because they worry that talking about trauma will make things worse.
A skilled trauma therapist works carefully and collaboratively, ensuring treatment proceeds at a pace that feels manageable and safe. Therapy is never about forcing someone to revisit experiences before they are ready.
With the right support, recovery is possible. Many people find they not only experience fewer symptoms but also regain confidence, reconnect with relationships and develop a renewed sense of purpose.
If you would like to learn more about trauma-focused therapy or arrange an assessment, our team would be pleased to discuss how we may be able to help.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
