Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops when the effects of a traumatic experience do not resolve on their own. You may find that distressing memories, heightened anxiety, or emotional numbness persist for weeks or months after the event, affecting your ability to work, sleep, and maintain relationships.

PTSD is more common than many people realise. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone — and specialist treatment can help.

At PROMIS, we have treated PTSD and trauma-related conditions since 1987. Our clinical team uses evidence-based approaches including EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and group therapy, supported by psychiatric assessment and medication where appropriate.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This may include violence, abuse, accidents, military combat, natural disasters, or any situation that felt life-threatening.

While PTSD affects people differently, common experiences include intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoiding reminders of the trauma, persistent negative thoughts or feelings, and feeling constantly on edge or easily startled.

Symptoms may appear shortly after the event or develop weeks or months later. In either case, PTSD responds well to specialist treatment.

Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) develops from repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences, rather than a single event. Common causes include childhood abuse or neglect, domestic violence, and other situations where the person felt trapped or powerless over an extended period.

In addition to the core symptoms of PTSD, people with CPTSD often experience a persistent negative self-image, difficulty managing emotions, and problems in relationships.

Both PTSD and CPTSD respond to trauma-focused psychological treatment. At PROMIS, our clinical team can assess which form of trauma you are experiencing and recommend the most appropriate approach.

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What Causes PTSD?

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Several factors influence whether symptoms persist or resolve naturally.

Risk factors include the severity and duration of the trauma, previous traumatic experiences, a family history of anxiety or depression, and limited support after the event.

Having a pre-existing mental health condition or difficulty managing stress can also increase vulnerability. However, PTSD can affect anyone — it is not a sign of weakness.

Types of Traumatic Events

PTSD can develop after many different types of traumatic experience, including:

Combat and Military Trauma

Military personnel who have experienced combat or other traumatic events during service can develop PTSD. This may include direct exposure to warfare, witnessing injury or death, or being involved in life-threatening situations.

Physical or Sexual Assault

Physical or sexual assault — whether experienced as a child or adult — can lead to PTSD. The psychological effects of assault often persist long after the physical injuries have healed.

Natural Disasters

Surviving natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or wildfires can be highly distressing and lead to the development of PTSD. The loss of homes and belongings or simply witnessing the devastation can be traumatic.

Serious Accidents

Being involved in or witnessing a severe accident, such as a car crash, can also influence the condition. The sudden and unexpected nature of such an event, coupled with potential injuries or loss of life, can have a lasting impact.

Childhood Abuse And Neglect

Children who experience abuse or neglect are particularly vulnerable to developing PTSD and Complex PTSD. Early intervention and specialist treatment can make a significant difference.

How Do I Know If I Have PTSD?

If you recognise several of the following experiences persisting for more than a few weeks after a traumatic event, it may be worth speaking to a specialist.

Intrusion Symptoms

Unwanted memories of the traumatic event that appear without warning. Vivid flashbacks that make you feel as though the event is happening again. Distressing dreams or nightmares. Intense emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma.

Avoidance Symptoms

Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma. Keeping excessively busy to avoid thinking about what happened. Feeling unable to talk about the experience, even with those closest to you.

Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood

Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame. Difficulty experiencing positive emotions. Feeling detached from others or losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed.

Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Feeling constantly on edge, irritable, or easily startled. In some cases, engaging in reckless or self-destructive behaviour.

Treatment for PTSD is available residentially at our London and Kent clinics, as a day patient, or through outpatient and online sessions. Call us confidentially on 0207 581 8222 (London) or 01304 841 700 (Kent).

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How We Treat PTSD at PROMIS

At PROMIS, treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric and clinical assessment to understand how PTSD is affecting you. From there, we create a personalised treatment plan using proven, evidence-based approaches.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) helps you understand how traumatic memories affect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. By identifying and working with unhelpful thinking patterns, TF-CBT can reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms and help you develop more effective ways of coping.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps you process distressing memories that have become stuck in the nervous system. Rather than talking through the trauma in detail, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides a safe, structured space to share experiences with others who understand what you are going through. Many people find it easier to talk about trauma in a group setting than with family or friends.

Led by an experienced therapist, group work can reduce feelings of isolation, build mutual understanding, and support the individual therapy process.

Medication

Where medication is appropriate, our psychiatrists can prescribe and monitor it as part of the wider treatment plan. Medication is used to support the therapeutic process — not to replace it. If you are currently taking prescribed medication, our clinical team will work alongside your existing care.

PTSD Treatment at PROMIS

If you are struggling with the effects of trauma or PTSD, speaking to a specialist is a practical first step. At PROMIS, we have treated PTSD and trauma-related conditions since 1987, and our clinical team can help you understand what is happening and what treatment would be most effective.

Call us confidentially on 0207 581 8222 (London) or 01304 841 700 (Kent), or contact us online. There is no obligation to book — we are happy to have an initial conversation about your situation.

PROMIS is not an emergency service. If you feel unable to stay safe, please contact NHS 111, your local A&E, or your local crisis team.

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