Many clients who present to psychologists do so after an acute trauma, such as an accident or an assault. Sometimes this is in order to ameliorate the impact of the trauma. However, sometimes they present with the symptoms of PTSD some time after the event and are still struggling to manage the common symptoms such as sleep difficulties, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, problems concentrating, severe anxiety and emotional numbness.
Trauma may also present in relation to historical trauma as a result of early chronic traumatic experiences. This may have had a significant impact on their relationships with others, their self esteem and general quality of life. EMDR and trauma focused Cognitive Behavioural therapy are both used in the treatment of trauma.