Healing from the inside out — reclaiming safety, trust, and self-compassion
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological response to experiencing or witnessing a deeply distressing or threatening event. While many people go through painful or frightening experiences, PTSD arises when the emotional aftermath of the trauma lingers through automatic emotions and reactions, disrupting daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being.
At the Cyprus Institute for Emotion Focused Therapy (CiEFT), we recognize the invisible wounds trauma can leave behind. PTSD is not a weakness or failure — it’s a natural response to overwhelming experiences. You deserve care, support, and a safe space to heal.
Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD
The symptoms of PTSD vary in severity and form but often include:
Re-Experiencing Symptoms
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
- Nightmares or distressing dreams
- Intense emotional or physical reactions to reminders (triggers)
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding thoughts, places, people, or activities associated with the trauma
- Emotional numbing or detachment from others
- Withdrawing from life or previously enjoyed activities
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Constant alertness or feeling “on edge”
- Sleep difficulties or irritability
- Angry outbursts or being easily startled
- Difficulty concentrating
Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition
- Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or fear
- Negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world (“I can’t trust anyone”, “I’m broken”)
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
In some cases, especially when trauma is prolonged or repeated (e.g., childhood abuse, domestic violence), individuals may experience Complex PTSD, which includes the above symptoms along with:
- Chronic emotional dysregulation
- Difficulties in relationships
- Deep-rooted shame and identity struggles
Causes of PTSD
PTSD can result from a wide range of traumatic experiences, such as:
- Accidents (e.g., car crashes, injuries)
- Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
- Combat or war exposure
- Natural disasters
- Loss of a loved one in a traumatic way
- Medical trauma or childbirth complications
Trauma is personal — what overwhelms one person may not impact another in the same way. It’s the emotional imprint that matters.
PTSD in Cyprus — A Special Note
For many people in Cyprus, trauma is not just personal — it’s generational. Living in an occupied country, experiences of displacement, loss, and intergenerational trauma remain part of our collective story. At CiEFT, we approach trauma with cultural sensitivity, inclusivity and deep respect for historical context.
How Emotion-Focused Therapy Can Help
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) provides a safe, compassionate framework for:
- Processing trauma-related emotions at your own pace
- Accessing and transforming underlying emotional wounds
- Reclaiming a sense of personal power and identity
- Building emotional safety and self-trust
Our experienced therapists help you gently navigate the inner landscape of your trauma, so that healing becomes possible — not by forgetting, but by transforming pain into resilience.
Self-Care and Coping with PTSD
While therapy can be central to healing, these approaches may also support you:
- Grounding techniques: Practices that anchor you in the present moment when flashbacks or dissociation occur.
- Mindful movement: Gentle exercise like yoga or tai chi can help reconnect body and mind.
- Creative expression: Journaling, painting, or music can offer a voice to what’s hard to speak.
Recommended Books on PTSD
These resources may help you understand PTSD and begin to work through its impact:
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
A foundational book on how trauma lives in the body and mind, offering hope and insight for recovery. - Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter Levine
Introduces somatic experiencing — a body-based approach to trauma healing. - It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn
Explores intergenerational trauma and how family history can shape emotional patterns.
Professional Help
You don’t need to carry the weight of your trauma alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unable to move forward, reaching out is a courageous and healing first step.
CiEFT offers Emotion-Focused Therapy online and in person in Nicosia.
We work with adolescents and adults with care and cultural sensitivity.
Contact us to learn more or to schedule an initial consultation with a qualified EFT practitioner.
Useful Links for Further Support:
We believe that every person’s emotional world is unique — and therapy should be too.
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