Therapy for PTSD in Chester, Wirral & Online

Counselling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can feel like it’s taking over your life, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

If you’ve been through something traumatic and are finding it hard to move forward, you’re not alone. PTSD can affect anyone, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The good news is that with the right support, things can get better.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a natural response to experiencing or witnessing something traumatic.

It’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you, but sometimes it can get stuck in overdrive. This can leave you feeling like you’re constantly on edge, reliving the event, or avoiding anything that reminds you of it.

Common Signs of PTSD

Some common signs of PTSD include:  

  • Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts that bring the trauma back to life. 

  • Nightmares that leave you feeling unsettled. 

  • Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of what happened. 

  • Feeling constantly on edge, jumpy, or unable to relax. 

  • Struggling with guilt, shame, or feeling disconnected from others. 

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms - these are all signs that counselling for PTSD might benefit you. It might be time to reach out for support. You don’t have to face this alone. 

How Counselling For PTSD Can Help 

PTSD can feel overwhelming, but counselling offers a safe space to start making sense of what you’re going through. Together, we can explore how the trauma is affecting your life and work on ways to help you feel more in control. 

One of the techniques I use is the Rewind Technique, which is a gentle and effective way to process traumatic memories. It doesn’t require you to relive the experience in detail, which many people find reassuring. Instead, it helps to take the emotional intensity out of the memory, so it no longer feels like it’s controlling you. 

Counselling is about finding what works for you. Whether it’s learning coping strategies, processing the trauma, or just having someone to talk to who understands, we’ll work together to help you feel more like yourself again. 

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions 

When you start counselling, we’ll take things at your pace. There’s no pressure to talk about anything you’re not ready for. Instead, we’ll focus on what feels most important to you right now. Over time, we’ll work on: 

  • Understanding how PTSD is affecting your life. 

  • Finding ways to manage symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, or feeling on edge. 

  • Processing the trauma in a way that feels safe and manageable. 

  • Building confidence and resilience so you can move forward.  

It’s not about “fixing” you — because you’re not broken. It’s about helping you feel more in control and finding a way to live the life you want.

Why Choose Me As Your Counsellor? 

I have many years of experience helping people with PTSD and related issues. During our sessions I provide a safe and confidential space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make. 

I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step toward getting help. My approach is warm, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether your PTSD has been affecting you for years or stems from a recent traumatic event, I’m here to help you regain control and find a sense of calm in your daily life. 

Counselling and Therapy for PTSD in Chester and Heswall 

If you’re searching for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment near you, I offer in-person therapy sessions in Chester, Heswall and Online Counselling Sessions across the UK and Europe, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you. The choice is always yours. 

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Counselling is a talking therapy that can go a long way in helping people come to terms with problems they are facing. The sessions give you time to talk about anything that is going on for you in a safe and confidential way.  

    This might be because you want to change things, there might be something you are struggling to come to terms with - whatever the reason counselling could well be the answer for you. 

    By talking about the things that are going on for you, you will be able to get a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings, while at the same time I will help empower you to identify new solutions, allowing you to facilitate change and have the life you would like/deserve.

  • I work with young people aged 16+ and adults.

  • I provide face-to-face counselling in Chester and Heswall. I also provide Online Therapy.

  • Yes, I provide Online Counselling Sessions via Zoom, or sessions by phone.

  • Yes, I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor. 

  • I have a special interest and further training in: 

    Anxiety

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    All forms of historic child abuse and trauma including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, neglect 

    Emotional Eating

    PTSD

    I also have experience of helping people with: 

    Anger management 

    Attachment issues 

    Bereavement and grief, including pet bereavement 

    Bullying (School and workplace) 

    Depression 

    Gender identity 

    Family relationships 

    Self-harm 

    Self-esteem tress 

    Suicidal thoughts 

    Trauma 

    Additionally, I am a Rewind Practitioner which means that I have been trained to use the Rewind Technique to treat trauma and phobias. 

    I am also a Survivor to Thriver Practitioner which means that I can help individuals who have experienced trauma to move beyond simply ‘surviving’. 

    In my time as a counsellor, I have worked with so many different issues.

    Whatever it is, please just reach out so I can give you the support you deserve. Find out more about my experience and qualifications. 

  • I provide a confidential and safe space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make. 

    Everything you share with me is confidential unless you mention anything which means you or someone you know is likely to come to serious harm, you mention anything to do with the drug trafficking act, the children’s act or money laundering. 

    View my privacy policy to understand more about how your personal data is processed and kept safe. 

  • Our first session together will include an assessment so that I understand more about the challenges you are facing, and at the same time it gives you the opportunity to see if I am the right counsellor for you. At the end of the first session you can decide if you would like to continue working with me and we can arrange further appointments. 

  • The number of sessions you will need will very much depend on your individual circumstances. For example, someone who needs help with anxiety might not need as many sessions as someone who has experienced years of childhood trauma. I can however say that I will be open and honest with you throughout and we can look at this together. Regular reviews are done to see how well things are going and what the next steps will be. Remember the choice is always yours.

  • Before you first session I will send you information by email that hopefully covers everything you need to know before we meet.

    During your first session we will spend some time going through the counselling agreement together. This gives us a chance to look at what I can offer you as a therapist and gives me an idea what it is you are hoping to get from our time together.

    I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation by video or phone whichever suits, giving us a chance to have a chat before our first session.

  • The main difference between a counsellor, therapist, and psychotherapist lies in their focus and depth of work.  

    Counsellors typically provide short-term, solution-focused support for specific issues like stress or grief, using practical tools and coping strategies. 

    Therapist is a broad term that can refer to anyone providing therapy, including counsellors and psychotherapists, and their approach varies depending on their training. 

    Psychotherapists, however, focus on deeper, long-term emotional work, exploring the root causes of issues such as trauma or chronic mental health conditions. They often have more extensive training and work with both mild and severe psychological challenges. 

  • Yes, of course. You are not locked into any contracts and the choice is always yours.

  • For full details visit my pricing page.

  • For cancellations 24 hours’ notice is required. 

  • Get in touch to arrange a free informal 15-minute chat about what you are looking for and to see if we are happy to work together.

  • What My Clients Say

    “I had the privilege of working with Annabelle for 12 weeks; she has been a blessing. Her expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy helped me overcome dependencies on my twin brother and tackle additional challenges in my life. Annabelle was incredibly friendly; I always felt at ease during our sessions. She was very receptive which made it easy to open up and share my thoughts. Her guidance has significantly improved my relationship with my twin and myself. I still use the strategies we developed in my day-to-life. I’m immensely grateful to have had Annabelle as a therapist”.

    - Ben (Google Review)

    See my reviews on Google

Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder doesn’t have to define your life. If you’re ready to explore how counselling could help, get in touch. We’ll have a chat about what’s going on for you and how I can support you. There’s no pressure — just a chance to see if this feels like the right fit for you.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let’s take that first step together. 

Annabelle

Counselling & Therapy In-Person & Online