Trauma-Related Condition

PTSDcan develop after experiencing or witnessing a deeply distressing event. While it’s natural to feel shaken after trauma, PTSD occurs when those reactions remain strong and disruptive over time. People living with PTSD may experience nightmares, flashbacks, heightened anxiety, difficulty feeling safe, or avoidance of reminders connected to the trauma. A diagnosis is made through a careful assessment by a mental health professional, looking at the specific symptoms, their duration, and how much they interfere with daily life. At its core, PTSD is not a weakness—it is the body and mind’s way of trying to cope after something overwhelming.

The encouraging part is that PTSD is treatable, and with the right care, recovery is possible. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-focused approaches have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms and support lasting change. Treatment helps people safely process painful memories, reduce emotional intensity, and restore a greater sense of control and connection. At Trauma Care Psychology, we provide personalized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive support, creating a safe space where each person’s unique experience is respected and their path toward growth is supported.

Trauma-Related Condition

C-PTSD can develop after repeated or long-term exposure to trauma, often in situations where escape or safety was not possible, such as childhood neglect or abuse, domestic violence, or other ongoing relational trauma. While it shares many features with PTSD, like flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance, C-PTSD also involves additional difficulties such as chronic feelings of shame or guilt, challenges with self-worth, difficulty regulating emotions, and struggles in relationships. Although not an official DSM-5 diagnosis yet, it is part of the European ICD diagnostic system. Diagnosis requires a careful and thoughtful assessment, as symptoms of C-PTSD often overlap with other conditions and are deeply tied to a person’s history and lived experience.

Recovery from C-PTSD is possible, and the process often requires a longer-term approach. Evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for PTSD, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and other Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) are effective in helping people manage overwhelming emotions, build resilience, and work through the effects of trauma. Treatment focuses not only on reducing distressing symptoms but also on rebuilding a sense of safety, trust, and connection, with oneself and with others.

Trauma-related difficulty

Intergenerational trauma refers to the ways in which the effects of trauma can be passed down from one generation to the next. While it is not an official diagnosis, research shows that patterns of trauma-related difficulties such as emotional pain, mistrust, anxiety, or difficulties in relationships, can be carried forward within families and communities. This may happen through learned behaviors, family dynamics, or even biological stress responses. People living with intergenerational trauma often describe feeling the weight of experiences they did not directly go through, but that continue to shape their identity, relationships, and sense of safety.

Support for intergenerational trauma involves recognizing these patterns and breaking cycles that may have persisted over decades. An integration of evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), adapted in a culturally sensitive way, can help individuals and families understand the impact of past trauma, develop healthier ways of relating, and strengthen emotional resilience.

At Trauma Care Psychology, we approach intergenerational trauma with compassion and cultural sensitivity, creating a safe space to explore these experiences, honor the history that shaped them, and work toward change that supports both personal growth and the well-being of future generations.

Trauma-informed therapy is an approach that recognizes how past experiences of trauma may shape a person’s emotions, behaviors, and relationships, even when trauma is not the main reason someone is seeking help. It is not a specific treatment or diagnosis, but rather a way of providing care that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. At Trauma Care Psychology, we understand that trauma can underlie or intensify many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout, chronic stress, or relationship difficulties. By taking a trauma-informed lens, we work to ensure that therapy is sensitive to these histories.

Trauma-informed care means meeting clients with compassion, collaboration, and respect for their lived experience. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) can be adapted within a trauma-informed framework to address a wide range of concerns. This approach allows us to not only target current challenges, like stress, mood difficulties, or relational strain, but also to strengthen resilience, self-understanding, and emotion regulation. At Trauma Care Psychology, every client receives personalized, culturally sensitive support that honors their unique story and creates a safe foundation for meaningful change.

Disordered eating involves patterns of eating, thoughts, or behaviors around food that can negatively affect physical health, emotional well-being, and daily life. This can include restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, or preoccupation with body image and weight. Disordered eating exists on a spectrum and may not always meet criteria for a formal diagnosis, but it can still create distress and interfere with relationships, work, and self-esteem.

Disordered eating is often influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, including past trauma, stress, or experiences that shaped one’s relationship with food and body image. Trauma-informed therapy recognizes how these experiences can contribute to eating difficulties and provides a safe space to explore underlying emotions and patterns. Evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindful eating practices, can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies, improve self-compassion, and restore a balanced relationship with food and body. At Trauma Care Psychology, we provide personalized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive support to help clients navigate disordered eating with understanding and care, recognizing that cultural factors and trauma can also shape beliefs, pressures, and experiences around food, body image, and self-expression.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and other personality-related difficulties can bring intense emotional pain and challenges in relationships. People with BPD often experience overwhelming emotions, painful behaviours, fears of abandonment, difficulties with self-image, and patterns of unstable or conflictual relationships. These struggles are not a reflection of weakness or character flaws, they are often linked to histories of trauma, invalidation, or difficult early life experiences. Diagnosis requires a careful and thoughtful assessment by a mental health professional, as symptoms may overlap with other conditions, and each person’s experience is unique.

The good news is that BPD and related personality disorders are treatable. Evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and trauma-focused approaches can help individuals learn skills for emotional regulation, build healthier relationships, and develop a more stable sense of self. At Trauma Care Psychology, we approach personality disorders with compassion, patience, and cultural sensitivity, recognizing the courage it takes to seek support. Our focus is on creating a safe therapeutic space where clients can feel understood, reduce emotional suffering, and begin building a life that feels more stable and connected.

Self-harm and suicidal behaviours are signs of overwhelming emotional pain and distress. People may engage in self-harm to cope with intense emotions, feel a sense of control, or express feelings that are hard to put into words. Suicidal thoughts or behaviours can emerge when someone feels trapped, hopeless, or unable to see a way forward. These experiences are not a reflection of weakness or failure, they are signals that a person needs support, understanding, and safety. Assessment by a qualified mental health professional is essential to ensure immediate safety and to identify underlying emotional or mental health concerns.

Treatment for self-harm and suicidal behaviours focuses on both safety and long-term emotional support. Evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed interventions can help individuals manage distressing emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build connections with themselves and others. With support, people can learn to navigate intense emotions more safely, regain a sense of control, and move toward stability and hope.

Dissociation and dissociative disorders involve disruptions in memory, awareness, identity, or perception. These experiences often arise as a response to overwhelming stress or trauma, helping the mind cope when events feel unsafe or unbearable. Dissociation can take many forms, from feeling emotionally numb or detached from your body, to losing chunks of memory, to experiencing shifts in identity or feeling as though the world around you is unreal. Common dissociative disorders include Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Dissociative Amnesia, and Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, each of which presents differently but can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Dissociation is often linked to early or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or other forms of prolonged stress. It can serve as a protective mechanism, allowing a person to distance themselves from painful experiences when there was no safe way to process them at the time. Treatment focuses on building safety, emotion regulation, and grounding skills, helping individuals reconnect with their thoughts, emotions, and sense of self. An integration of evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused therapies and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can help manage dissociative symptoms and reduce their impact on daily life. With the right support, people can strengthen self-awareness, feel more present, and develop strategies to navigate challenging experiences with greater resilience.

Difficulties with substance use involve the persistent use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances despite negative effects on health, relationships, work, or daily life. These behaviours often develop as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or trauma, not because a person is “weak”. While substance use may provide temporary relief, it can become harmful over time, affecting physical and mental health and creating cycles of dependence that are difficult to break. Common examples include alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, and prescription medication misuse.

Substance use disorders are frequently linked to trauma, including childhood abuse, neglect, or other forms of prolonged stress. Using substances can serve as a way to manage or numb intense emotional pain, anxiety, or memories that feel unmanageable. Effective treatment involves a combination of approaches, such as trauma-informed therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies. With support, individuals can learn healthier coping strategies, manage triggers, and regain control over their lives while addressing the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to substance use.

Emotion dysregulation is when emotions feel overwhelming, intense, or difficult to manage, making it hard to respond to situations in a way that feels balanced or safe. People may notice rapid mood shifts, strong emotional reactions, or difficulty calming down after distressing experiences. These patterns can affect daily life, decision-making, and relationships, and can leave people feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or exhausted.

Emotion dysregulation can develop as a response to trauma, particularly early or repeated experiences where emotions felt unsafe or overwhelming. It can also arise from biological factors, including being born with a naturally higher sensitivity to emotions. With compassionate support and evidence-based approaches, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices, people can learn to understand, tolerate, and respond to emotions more safely. Over time, it is possible to build greater emotional balance, strengthen relationships, and feel more grounded, capable, and connected to oneself and others.

Relationship challenges and high-conflict dynamics can arise in any type of close relationship, including romantic partnerships, family relationships, or friendships. These difficulties often show up as frequent arguments, misunderstandings, emotional distance, or cycles of hurtful behaviors. While conflict is a normal part of human connection, persistent patterns of tension or disconnection can leave people feeling frustrated, isolated, or unsure how to communicate effectively.

Relationship difficulties are often influenced by past experiences, including trauma, learned patterns from family or culture, intergenerational factors, and individual emotional regulation challenges. Evidence-based approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and other trauma-informed strategies can help individuals and couples identify patterns, strengthen communication, and rebuild emotional connection. With support, partners and family members can learn to navigate disagreements more safely, respond to each other with understanding, and cultivate more stable, fulfilling, and compassionate relationships.

Anxiety and related difficulties involve persistent feelings of worry, fear, or tension that can interfere with daily life, work, or relationships. People experiencing anxiety may notice racing thoughts, physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or muscle tension, or a constant sense of being “on edge.” Common anxiety-related conditions include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, and specific phobias. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, chronic or intense anxiety can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating.

Anxiety often develops in response to life stressors, past experiences, or trauma, and can be influenced by both environmental and biological factors. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques can help individuals better understand and manage anxious thoughts and feelings. With consistent support and practical strategies, it is possible to reduce the intensity of anxiety, feel more grounded in daily life, and build confidence in navigating challenges with resilience and calm. At Trauma Care Psychology, we provide personalized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive support to help clients navigate anxiety and related difficulties.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that create intense anxiety, along with repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. Common examples include repetitive checking, counting, ordering, or intrusive thoughts about safety, harm, or morality. OCD can feel exhausting and isolating, and while the behaviors may temporarily reduce anxiety, they often interfere with daily life, relationships, and well-being.

OCD can develop in response to genetic, environmental, and sometimes trauma-related factors, and symptoms may be exacerbated by past experiences that felt unsafe or overwhelming. Trauma-informed therapy for OCD recognizes how past experiences can shape obsessive or compulsive patterns and focuses on addressing these underlying influences in a safe, supportive way. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), can help individuals confront fears, reduce compulsions, and regain a sense of control. At Trauma Care Psychology, we provide personalized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive support to help clients manage OCD symptoms in a trauma-informed way.

Depression and related difficulties involve persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. People may notice changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or motivation, and may feel isolated, hopeless, or overwhelmed by everyday tasks. Common depression-related conditions include Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia), and situational depression. While these experiences can feel heavy and all-encompassing, they are signs that support and care are needed, not a reflection of personal weakness.

Depression can develop in response to life stressors, ongoing adversity, or traumatic experiences, and it may be influenced by biological and psychological factors. Trauma-informed therapy recognizes the ways past experiences can shape mood and coping patterns and provides support in a safe, validating environment. Evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), can help individuals better understand their emotions, challenge unhelpful patterns, and develop strategies to manage depressive symptoms. At Trauma Care Psychology, we provide personalized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive support to help clients navigate depression, build resilience, and reconnect with meaning and hope in daily life.

Bipolar Disorder and related difficulties involve significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that can affect daily life, work, and relationships. People may experience episodes of mania or hypomania, characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, or impulsive behavior, as well as episodes of depression, marked by low mood, fatigue, or loss of interest in activities. These mood changes can feel unpredictable and overwhelming, and may make it difficult to maintain consistency in work, relationships, and self-care.

Bipolar disorder can develop due to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors, including stress and trauma, which may influence the intensity or triggers of mood episodes. Evidence-based approaches such as medication, psychoeducation, mood tracking, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed therapy can help individuals understand their patterns, manage symptoms, and develop coping strategies. With consistent support, people can gain greater insight into their moods, improve emotional regulation, and foster stability while pursuing meaningful and fulfilling lives. At Trauma Care Psychology, we provide personalized, compassionate, and culturally sensitive support to help clients navigate mood-related challenges safely and effectively.