Trauma counselling and therapy in London
Trauma can affect how you feel, relate, trust, respond and experience your body.
You may know what happened, or you may simply feel that something in you is still braced, overwhelmed, shut down or waiting for danger.
I offer trauma counselling in London – in person at King’s Cross, Angel and Farringdon – and online trauma therapy across the UK, helping you explore what you are carrying at a pace that feels safe, steady and manageable.
Michael Swales
MBACP, NCPS Acc.In-person therapy in London
Online therapy
across the UKIndividual therapy
from £75Couples therapy
from £95
Who it’s for
Support when the past still feels present
Trauma therapy may be helpful if experiences from the past are still affecting your life now.
You may feel easily triggered, emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, anxious in relationships, or unsure why your body reacts so strongly in certain situations.
You do not need to have a clear label for what happened. You also do not need to tell the whole story straight away. Therapy can begin with what feels most present now.
Common reasons
Reasons people seek trauma therapy
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Anxiety or panic
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Emotional triggers
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Shame or self-blame
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Dissociation or feeling detached
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Difficulty trusting others
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Relationship conflict or withdrawal
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Feeling numb, tense or on edge
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Addictive or compulsive coping patterns
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Difficulty feeling safe in your body
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Feeling easily overwhelmed
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Struggling to explain why you react the way you do
What to expect
A steady space that does not rush your story
Trauma therapy should not feel rushed or overwhelming.
Sessions are collaborative and paced around what feels manageable. We may talk about what happened, but we may also focus on what is happening now: your relationships, your body, your emotions, your coping strategies and the parts of you that are still trying to protect you.
You will not be pushed to relive difficult experiences before you feel ready. The work is about building enough safety, understanding and choice to begin approaching things differently.
About the therapist
Trauma counselling in London with Michael Swales
My approach is integrative, relational and trauma-informed.
I draw on relationship psychotherapy, somatic therapy, trauma-informed practice and addiction recovery work to help you understand yourself with less shame and more clarity.
Experienced and accredited
Michael Swales is registered with professional bodies including BACP and NCPS, with additional training in relationship psychotherapy, somatic trauma therapy and addiction recovery.
Locations and online
Trauma counselling near you
in London and across the UK
If you are searching for trauma counsellors near you, I see clients in person at King’s Cross, Angel and Farringdon, and online across the UK.
For a broader introduction, including complex PTSD and the effects of childhood trauma, read about trauma and PTSD therapy.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Trauma therapy may be helpful if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, easily triggered, disconnected, anxious, ashamed or affected by experiences that still feel unresolved. You do not need to be certain before getting in touch.
No. You do not need a diagnosis to begin therapy. Many people seek trauma therapy because they recognise patterns in their emotions, relationships or body, even without a formal diagnosis.
Trauma therapy should not involve forcing you to relive experiences before you are ready. The work is paced carefully, with attention to safety, choice and what feels manageable.
Yes. Trauma can affect trust, intimacy, communication, conflict, boundaries and emotional safety. Therapy can help you understand how past experiences may be shaping present relationships.
That is understandable. You do not need to talk about everything straight away. Therapy can begin slowly, focusing on what feels most present and manageable.
I offer trauma-informed therapy in London for adults affected by PTSD or its symptoms, in person at King’s Cross, Angel and Farringdon, or online. There is no need to have a formal label for what you are experiencing, and if you are also receiving NHS care, therapy can be used alongside it.
Online trauma therapy may be suitable for some clients. This can be discussed during your initial consultation.
Individual therapy starts from £75. Fees can vary depending on the type of therapy, format and circumstances, and this can be discussed during your initial consultation.
Get in touch
Take the next step when you're ready
Reaching out can feel like a big step, I offer a safe, confidential place to talk and explore what support might look like for you. Phone, email, video-call or in-person sessions – get in touch in whatever way suits you.
Email
info@michaelswales.com
Response time
I aim to respond to within 1 working day.
I'll be happy to hear from you.
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