Find a relational trauma therapist online
Our past experiences can shape how we think, feel, relate to others and experience the world around us, sometimes in ways we don’t fully recognise.
At Holistically Human, we understand that trauma can affect both mind and body. Our relational, trauma-informed approach brings together a range of therapeutic perspectives to help you explore your experiences, understand their impact and find ways to move forward at your own pace.
We’ll take the time to understand your individual needs and thoughtfully match you with a qualified counsellor who can support you, either in person in Reading or online across the UK.
Start with a free 20-minute conversation to explore your options, with no pressure or obligation to commit.
What trauma can feel like
Trauma is not only about what happened. It is about what it left behind, in your relationships, in your body and in the way you move through the world. You might not call it trauma at all. Whether you have a name for what you are experiencing or simply know something needs to change, we can help you find a safe space to explore it.
Relational trauma
Relational trauma comes from hurt experienced within relationships, often over time and sometimes beginning in childhood. It can show up as difficulty trusting others, always putting others first, feeling on guard with people you love, or finding yourself repeating patterns you thought you’d left behind.
Because these wounds often develop within relationships, safe, trusting relationships can also become an important part of healing.
Working with complex trauma
Complex trauma can develop through repeated or prolonged difficult experiences, particularly when you have felt unsafe, powerless or unable to escape. Its effects can shape how you see yourself, relate to others and respond to the world around you.
You might experience feelings of numbness or overwhelm, struggle to understand your own reactions, or carry a deep sense of shame or self-doubt.
You don’t need a diagnosis to seek support. We focus on understanding your experiences and how they’ve affected you, rather than defining you by a label.
When trauma lives in the body
Trauma isn’t always something we can put into words. Sometimes it’s experienced through the body — a tight chest, racing heart, constant tension, exhaustion or feeling disconnected from yourself.
These can be ways your nervous system has learned to respond to stress and protect you from perceived danger, even when that danger has passed.
By paying attention to both your emotional and physical experiences, therapy can help you better understand these responses and gradually develop a greater sense of safety, connection and calm.
Book an assessment
If you are ready to book your assessment, then use the button below to reach our online booking form. You can choose an available slot that suits you.
Trauma-informed somatic therapy
Trauma-informed practice is at the heart of how we work. We recognise that difficult experiences can affect how safe we feel in ourselves and with others, so we work collaboratively, with choice, sensitivity and respect for your pace. Your counsellor pays attention to your body as well as your words, drawing on a nervous-system-informed understanding of how we respond to threat.
Our counsellors are trained integratively, so they do not expect you to fit a single model. These are not separate therapies you have to choose between. They are perspectives your counsellor may weave together through our Whole-Human Therapyâ„¢ framework, depending on what you need.
Trauma can be felt before it is understood. Your counsellor may use gentle body awareness and grounding to help your nervous system feel safer, at a pace that suits you.
Listening to your body | Somatic and nervous-system-informed work
Experiences that began in relationships can shape how we connect now. Together you may explore how earlier relationships affect the way you trust, care for yourself and respond to closeness.Â
Making sense of patterns and relationships | Attachment and psychodynamic perspectives
Together you may explore how past experiences and relationships have shaped the way you see yourself, connect with others and respond to life today.
Understanding different parts of you | Parts work
Part of you may want things to change while another part works hard to keep you safe. Parts work helps you understand these protective responses with curiosity rather than judgement.
A relationship where you can feel safe | Person-centred foundations
Feeling safe, heard and accepted matters most when trust has been broken. Your counsellor offers a steady, non-judgemental relationship where you set the pace.
Therapy at your pace
Many people put off trauma therapy because they fear being asked to relive the worst moments. That is not how we work. Your counsellor will help you build a sense of safety and steadiness first, and you decide what you share and when. Some people never need to tell their story in detail for therapy to be worthwhile.
- You will never be asked to talk about anything before you are ready.
- You can pause, slow down or stop at any point, and that is part of the work.
- Your counsellor will help you notice when you are becoming overwhelmed and how to settle.
- Sessions end gently, so you leave feeling grounded.
Online trauma therapy across the UK
Online therapy lets you work with a trauma-informed counsellor from somewhere you already feel safe, without travelling or rearranging your day. Body-based work happens online too: your counsellor may guide you to notice your breath, posture and sensations, and you stay in charge of what you share. We offer online counselling across the UK, with some in-person appointments available in the Reading area.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to talk.
- Sessions typically last 50 to 60 minutes.
- Your counsellor will explain confidentiality and practical arrangements before you begin.
- If someone walks in or you need to stop, you can pause and return when it feels safe.
How matching works
1. Tell us a little
Complete our enquiry form with what you are looking for. You do not need to share what happened or know which type of therapy you need.
2. Speak to a person
Book a free 20-minute introductory call. Our assessment helps us understand your needs and recommend trauma-informed counsellors; a separate assessment fee may apply. You can ask for a counsellor of a particular gender.
3. Choose your counsellor
We suggest a selection of carefully chosen practitioners. You decide who feels right and arrange your sessions, with support from our team if you need it.
Your first session
What happens in your first session
Your first session is a chance to begin getting to know your counsellor and to talk, as much or as little as feels manageable, about what has brought you here. They will explain how you will work together, including confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements.
You do not need to tell your story, arrive with the right words or know what you want from therapy. Many people feel nervous beforehand. Your counsellor will expect that, and the session will end gently so you leave feeling grounded.
Meet our Holistic Humans
If you need urgent help
If you need help now. We are not a crisis service and cannot respond immediately. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health help in England, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If you need someone to talk to at any hour, call Samaritans free on 116 123. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free and open 24 hours on 0808 2000 247.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is relational trauma?
Relational trauma is the effect of harm that happened within relationships, often with people you depended on, such as a parent or partner. It can shape how safe you feel with others, how you see yourself and how you respond to closeness. Therapy offers a steady relationship in which those patterns can be understood and gently changed.
What is trauma-informed somatic therapy?
Trauma-informed somatic therapy works with your body as well as your thoughts and feelings. Your counsellor helps you notice sensations, breath and movement, at a pace that feels safe, so you can build a sense of steadiness. It is informed by how the nervous system responds to threat, and is always guided by what you are comfortable with.
Do I have to talk about what happened?
No. You decide what you share and when. Many people spend early sessions building a sense of safety and never go into detail about what happened. Your counsellor will check in with you as you go and will never push you to say more than you want to.
Do you offer EMDR?
Yes. Catherine, our founder, is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), one of the therapies NICE recommends for post-traumatic stress disorder. EMDR uses guided eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation while you hold a distressing memory in mind. Tell us during your introductory call if you would like EMDR, and we will match you accordingly.
Can trauma therapy work online?
Yes, for many people. Working from a space where you already feel safe can make it easier to settle. Body-based work can be done over video, and your counsellor will help you set up your space so you feel private and grounded. If online is not right for you, some in-person appointments are available in the Reading area.
Do I need a diagnosis of PTSD or complex PTSD?
No. You can contact us directly without a diagnosis or GP referral, and we will not give you one. Many people we work with are unsure whether their experiences count as trauma. If another type or level of support would be more appropriate, we will discuss that with you.
How is this different from NHS Talking Therapies?
NHS Talking Therapies offers free support for eligible people in England, often with self-referral, including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR for PTSD as recommended by NICE. Waiting times vary. Holistically Humanâ„¢ offers private counselling with a matched, trauma-informed practitioner, and an approach that includes relationships and the body.Â
How much does it cost?
Sessions with qualified counsellors are currently £55 to £85, and a professional assessment is £25. We also offer a free 20-minute introductory call, and we will explain the relevant fees before you book.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. Some people find a few months of regular sessions helpful, while others with long-standing or complex trauma value more time. You can review your progress with your counsellor as you go, rather than committing to a set course at the outset.