Pathway Masterclass: PTSD and Complex Trauma in Homelessness

Session outline

It is now well quoted in the literature that trauma is widespread in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Studies indicate that up to 90% of adults experiencing homelessness have endured at least one Adverse Childhood Experience, with many encountering multiple interwoven traumas, alongside other multiple overlapping needs in physical, social, and psychological health.

This Masterclass will explore the definitions and prevalence of various forms of ‘trauma’ for people who are homeless or marginalised. This will include understanding presentations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and complex trauma more broadly. We will discuss how many behaviours that have historically been labelled as “challenging” can be reformulated as a response to trauma. We will also explore how adopting a trauma informed approach, irrespective of our role or setting, can support people in developing a sense of safety, building trusting relationships and accessing care. The session will be jointly facilitated by Dr Emma Williamson (Consultant Clinical Psychologist) and Cynthia Kesington (Expert by Experience), who will share some of her own story and experiences about what makes the difference in supporting people with histories of trauma and homelessness.

-Wellbeing Warning-

The session will discuss sensitive topics which some may find distressing including themes of trauma and Cynthia sharing some of her personal experiences about homelessness.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the Masterclass, participants will be able to:

- Understand prevalence and impact: Describe the high rates of trauma and mental health issues among people experiencing homelessness and the specific effects of Type 1 (discreet) and Type 2 (complex) trauma.

- Identify barriers and systemic gaps: Explain how trauma creates obstacles to accessing statutory and voluntary support, including healthcare, and how systems often fail to recognise trauma.

- Apply practical strategies: Implement trauma-informed, inclusive approaches in service delivery—such as streamlined access, flexible engagement, and coordination across sectors—to reduce exclusion and improve outcomes.

Speaker biographies

Dr Emma Williamson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, is the CEO and founder of aneemo.com a Health EdTech Social Enterprise training platform – supporting voluntary, health and social care staff in their work with people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage. Emma has 20 years’ experience leading innovation in the UK National Health Service (NHS) to address inequality. For 15 years she founded and led multi-award-winning Psychology in Hostels NHS Psychologically and Trauma Informed partnership services across central London for South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. She is a published author, government advisor, visiting lecture at Kings College London, international trainer and organisational consultant.

Cynthia Kesington is the Lived Experience Lead at aneemo and co- founder of She Believes She Can CIC, a community-led organisation working to prevent hidden homelessness among women. Her work is grounded in lived experience having personally faced homelessness, Cynthia understands how easily women’s experiences of housing insecurity go unseen and unsupported. Through She Believes She Can, she leads trauma-informed programmes that blend movement, mindfulness, and practical guidance on housing, employment, and wellbeing. Cynthia’s work bridges the gap between health and homelessness, shining a light on the emotional, physical, and systemic toll of being without a safe home and how recovery begins with safety, dignity, and belonging.