When something overwhelming has happened — whether once, or over a long period — it can leave a mark that's hard to describe. You might feel on edge without knowing why, or find yourself reacting to things in ways that don't quite make sense. This is a natural human response to difficult experiences, and it's something that can be supported.
I'm Richard Lee, a BACP accredited therapist offering trauma therapy in Bromley. I work calmly and at your pace, helping you gently make sense of what you've been carrying — in a confidential space a short walk from Bromley South station.
Trauma isn't simply "something bad that happened." It's the lingering effect an experience can leave on your mind and body — the way a difficult event or period continues to echo long after it's over.
This can follow a single, clearly identifiable event — an accident, an assault, a sudden loss. But it can also build up gradually from experiences that happened over time, such as growing up in an unpredictable or emotionally difficult environment. That second kind is often less obvious, because it can simply feel like "who you are."
Crucially, trauma is not a sign of weakness. It's a normal nervous system response to experiences that felt too much to process at the time. Understanding this can itself be a relief.
Trauma rarely announces itself as trauma. More often, it shows up in ordinary, everyday ways — in how you feel, how you connect, and how your body responds.
Persistent anxiety or low mood, sudden waves of anger or sadness that feel out of proportion, or a general numbness — as if the feelings have been switched off.
Finding it hard to trust or let people close, pushing others away, or repeating the same difficult patterns — even when you can see them happening.
Relying on alcohol, food, work or other things to cope, avoiding situations that trigger you, or feeling driven to stay constantly busy so you don't have to stop.
Trouble sleeping, feeling physically tense or restless, a racing heart, or unexplained aches — your body can hold what your mind has struggled to process.
If any of this feels familiar, it doesn't mean something is "wrong" with you. It may simply mean your nervous system has been doing its best to keep you safe — and could now benefit from support.
Recovery from trauma isn't about erasing the past. It's about helping the experience take its rightful place — as something that happened, rather than something that still holds the controls.
A consistent, confidential place where you can begin to feel safe enough to explore — at your own pace, without pressure.
Gently connecting present-day reactions to their roots, so they begin to feel understandable rather than overwhelming.
Beginning to soften the self-criticism that so often accompanies trauma, and to treat yourself with more kindness.
Building practical ways to soothe your nervous system, so you can respond to life rather than react to it.
My practice is at 67-69 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 3AA — a quiet, discreet setting a short walk from Bromley South station. It's easy to reach whether you live in Bromley itself or travel from Beckenham, Chislehurst, Orpington, West Wickham, or wider South East London.
Weekly sessions in a calm, private room where you set the pace.
Trauma therapy by secure video call, available across the UK, at the same fee.
£95 per 50-minute session, with a discount on block bookings and some insurance accepted.
There's no rush and no obligation. If you're considering trauma therapy in Bromley, a gentle first step is a free 15-minute call — a chance to ask questions and see whether I might be the right person to walk alongside you.