The experience of a traumatic event such as a road traffic accident, or an accident at work can have psychological consequences.

Psychological reactions can include flashbacks, distressing dreams, panic attacks, avoidance of certain situations, social withdrawal and feeling numbed or 'cut off'.

Psychological therapies have been developed over the past 20 years which have been shown in research trials to result in significant improvements.

The two main therapies, whcih are recommended by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) are:

• CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing).

Both of these therapies involve you in first of all learning some self-help strategies to cope with anxiety. Then, when you feel ready, you are helped to gradually go over the details of the trauma, but at the same using the previously taught anxiety management strategies.

You then become 'desensitised' to the trauma and people usually find that flashbacks and dreams dimish and normal functioning resumes.

If you are also experiencing physical pain as a result of a trauma, then this approach can be combined with our pain management programme.

These therapies are available in Abergavenny, Cardiff and Newport.

Please contact Nigel Mills on 01873 831345 for details.