Trauma therapy in Teesside for when the past still feels present
I am Rachel Selmes, professionally known as Rachel Hillerby. I offer specialist trauma therapy, EMDR therapy and Flash Technique support from my private garden practice in Billingham village, supporting people across Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Yarm, Wynyard, Ingleby Barwick and wider Teesside.
Specialist trauma therapy across Teesside
People often look for trauma therapy because they feel stuck, anxious, numb, reactive, ashamed, exhausted or unable to move on from something that happened. Trauma is not only about what happened. It is also about what your nervous system had to do to survive it.
My work is clinically grounded, gentle and practical. As an Occupational Therapist, I look at how trauma affects everyday life: sleep, work, relationships, routines, concentration, confidence, sensory load, panic attacks, avoidance and the ability to feel safe in your own body.
EMDR, Flash Technique and pacing
EMDR therapy can help the brain process distressing memories so they feel less raw and less present. The Flash Technique may also be helpful when memories feel too intense to approach directly at first.
I do not rush trauma processing. We begin with safety, preparation and choice, especially where trauma has been complex, repeated, relational or linked with childhood experiences.
Problems people often search for before they ask for trauma therapy
Why do I feel anxious when nothing is wrong?
Your body may still be responding to old threat patterns, even when the present moment is safe.
Why do I keep replaying what happened?
Intrusive memories, flashbacks and mental replay can mean an experience has not fully processed.
Why do I shut down or go numb?
Shutdown can be a protective trauma response when your system has been overwhelmed for too long.
Can childhood trauma affect adults?
Yes. Early adversity can shape attachment, confidence, relationships, boundaries and emotional regulation.
Can grief become traumatic?
Sudden or shocking loss can leave the mind stuck in the moment of impact, making mourning harder to reach.
Can trauma affect work?
Trauma and stress can affect concentration, energy, confidence, sleep, decision-making and resilience.
Trauma support pages at Believe EMDR
Based in Billingham, supporting people across Teesside
Believe EMDR is based in Billingham village, which is in Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough. I support clients from Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Yarm, Wynyard, Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Thornaby and wider Teesside.
This wording is intentionally honest for Google, Maps and AI search. I do not claim to have clinics in each town. The practice is a private garden sanctuary in Billingham with off-road parking, and online EMDR may be available where clinically appropriate.
Trauma therapy questions
Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to start trauma therapy?
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis before getting in touch. We can begin with what is affecting you now and decide whether EMDR or another form of support feels appropriate.
Will I have to talk through every detail?
No. Trauma therapy does not mean forcing yourself through every detail. EMDR and Flash Technique work can be paced carefully, and you stay in control of what you share.
Is this suitable for Complex PTSD?
It can be, but complex trauma needs careful preparation. We focus first on safety, stabilisation, grounding and choice before any deeper reprocessing.
Is Believe EMDR a crisis service?
No. Believe EMDR is a private therapy practice and is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are at immediate risk, please contact emergency services, NHS 111, your GP crisis team or Samaritans on 116 123.
Start with a gentle first conversation
You do not need perfect words before getting in touch. A free 15-minute consultation is enough to ask questions and see whether working together feels right.