Understanding My Approach to Counselling

 What does counselling at My Space Counselling Cornwall involve?
Counselling offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings about issues that matter to you. Whether you’re facing current challenges or difficulties linked to your past, I provide a calm environment where you can reflect and work towards positive change at your own pace.

How can counselling help me cope with everyday life?
Sometimes it can be hard to cope with day-to-day life due to stress, anxiety, burnout or unresolved experiences. Counselling helps you gain new perspectives, understand what might be holding you back, and find healthier ways to move forward.

What is your counselling style or approach?
I listen with empathy — putting myself in your shoes — while offering a space for you to explore and reflect. Together, we can identify patterns, discover what’s stopping you from reaching your full potential, and work towards your personal goals in a supportive, understanding way.

What is the aim of the counselling process?
The goal of counselling is to help you understand and accept yourself, develop more rewarding behaviours, and grow into the person you want to be. It’s about building self-awareness, confidence, and emotional resilience so you can live more fully and authentically.

 

Trauma Counselling in Truro, Cornwall

What is trauma?
Trauma is the body’s physical, emotional, and psychological response to experiencing extreme fear, stress, or danger — especially when there is no opportunity to escape or move away from the situation. When this stress response becomes “frozen in time,” it can continue to affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves long after the event has passed.

What are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD occurs when a person becomes stuck in a heightened state of stress after a traumatic experience and cannot fully process or move through the event. Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks or reliving the trauma as if it’s happening now

• High levels of anxiety, panic, or fear

• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

• Emotional numbness or disconnection from feelings

• Unexplained physical issues or pain

• Negative self-beliefs such as “I’m to blame” or “I’m worthless”

• Feelings of shame or guilt

• Nightmares, disturbed sleep, or intrusive thoughts

• Suicidal thoughts or risky behaviours

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone — these are natural responses to overwhelming events.

How can childhood experiences affect how we respond to trauma?
Our ability to manage and recover from trauma is often influenced by early childhood experiences. A child who was comforted and supported during times of fear learns that difficult emotions can be managed safely. In contrast, children who lacked emotional reassurance or consistent care may struggle to regulate emotions later in life, making trauma recovery more challenging. However, anyone — regardless of their past — can heal and build resilience with the right support and therapy.

What coping mechanisms do people use after trauma?
Survivors of trauma often use coping strategies to manage distressing emotions, such as self-harm, alcohol or drug use, withdrawal, or other risky behaviours. These behaviours can provide short-term relief but often make healing more difficult over time. As trauma is processed through counselling, these coping mechanisms may naturally lessen as emotional regulation improves.

How can trauma counselling help?
Trauma counselling provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space to explore your experiences at your own pace. If you are struggling with symptoms of trauma or PTSD, therapy helps you understand how your mind and body are responding, and supports you in gently processing what has become “stuck.” The goal is to help you feel safer, calmer, and more in control of your life.

What happens in trauma counselling at My Space Counselling in Truro, Cornwall?
In our sessions, I offer a grounded and compassionate presence where you can begin to explore your trauma safely. Together, we focus on:

• Calming the body and reducing hyperarousal

• Building awareness of your emotions and reactions

• Strengthening your sense of safety in the present moment

• Recognising your personal resources and resilience

• Gaining understanding of trauma symptoms and how to manage them

Through trauma therapy, you can learn to regulate emotions, reconnect with yourself, and move toward healing and personal growth.

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You are not on your own