The Comprehensive Guide to Trauma and PTSD: Understanding, Diagnosis, and Recovery

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

The Lyceum is a centre for anxiety and trauma in West London. Trauma and post traumatic stress can follow single, repeated or interpersonal events and may involve intrusive memories, avoidance, changes in mood or thinking, and a sense of being constantly on alert. An online guide cannot diagnose PTSD, explain an individual cause or determine the right support. An assessment can consider safety, physical health, current pressures, functional impact and personal goals. It can also distinguish trauma related experiences from other difficulties that may need a different response. Clinical guidance can inform a discussion of trauma focused psychological therapy, but the focus, pacing and suitability of any work depend on the individual. Trauma focused CBT may include collaborative formulation, discussion of memories where appropriate, noticing avoidance and considering patterns that affect daily life. It is not a fixed protocol to follow alone online, and it cannot guarantee an outcome. Medical review, practical support, another therapy approach or a different service may be more relevant in some circumstances. PTSD and the Workplace: trauma related difficulties can affect concentration, sleep, communication and attendance. Under the Equality Act 2010, a mental health condition may meet the definition of disability where it has a substantial and long term adverse effect on normal day to day activities. Reasonable adjustments are context dependent. A phased return, flexibility around appointments or a review of work tasks may be considered by an employer in an individual case. This is general information, not employment law advice. The Lyceum offers CBT consultations online and in West London. Current format, availability and funding arrangements can be discussed when you enquire. Published fees are £110 online and £140 face to face. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, use an appropriate emergency, crisis or medical service rather than relying on an online guide. An initial conversation can be used to describe what has been difficult recently, how it affects day to day life and what support has already been tried. You do not need to provide every detail of a traumatic event in a first enquiry. Questions about privacy, pacing, location, fees and the assessment process are reasonable to ask before deciding whether to proceed. If someone is supporting you, you can also discuss what involvement, if any, would feel appropriate. Trauma experiences can affect people differently over time. Some notice distress linked to reminders, while others notice changes in routine, sleep, relationships or confidence without immediately connecting them to an earlier event. These experiences deserve careful attention, but they do not by themselves establish a diagnosis. A clinically informed assessment can make space for uncertainty and consider whether psychological therapy, medical input, community support or practical workplace guidance may be relevant.