What I Help With
I work with clients across a wide range of mental health conditions and concerns, and of varying levels of complexity and severity. My key interest areas include sexuality, gender, trauma, neurodivergency, minority stress, sexual health and intimacy. See below for more details, and contact me if you need help with something not listed below.
Issues I help With
Addictions refer to patterns of behaviour characterised by a loss of control, compulsive engagement despite negative consequences, and a psychological or physiological dependence. These may include substance use disorders or behavioural addictions, such as gambling, that interfere significantly with daily life and well-being.
Note: that the only non-substance related behaviour considered as an addiction (or 'disorder') is gambling, and 'gaming-use-disorder' has been listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5-TR for research only. Other behaviours, such as problematic behaviours below, cannot be diagnosed as 'addictions' or disorders.
Problematic behaviours, while similar, do not necessarily involve dependence but may still impact one’s quality of life. Examples include excessive use of social media, pornography, or dating apps, impulsive spending, or risk-taking behaviours. These behaviours may stem from underlying emotional, psychological, or environmental factors and often reflect attempts to cope with stress, trauma, or unmet needs.
Understanding the distinctions helps tailor treatment to individual needs, focusing on recovery, self-regulation, and healthier coping strategies.
Addictions
-
Alcohol Use Disorder - Difficulty controlling alcohol use, leading to drinking too much, too often, or in risky situations, despite knowing it’s causing problems in your life.
-
Cannabis Use Disorder - Using marijuana frequently or in large amounts, making it hard to quit or causing issues at work, school, or in relationships.
-
Caffeine Use Disorder - Relying heavily on caffeine to the point where cutting back causes headaches, fatigue, or other withdrawal symptoms, and struggling to function without it.
-
Hallucinogen Use Disorder - Repeated use of substances like LSD or magic mushrooms that alter perception and mood, even when it leads to risky behaviours or mental health issues.
-
Inhalant Use Disorder - Misusing substances like glue, paint, or aerosol sprays to get a high, leading to serious health problems or risky behaviour.
-
Opioid Use Disorder - Dependence on painkillers like morphine, codeine, or illegal drugs like heroin, making it hard to stop using even when it harms health, relationships, or finances.
-
Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder - Misusing sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medications, like Valium or Xanax, to the point of needing more to feel the same effect or feeling withdrawal when trying to stop.
-
Stimulant Use Disorder (Including Cocaine and Methamphetamine) - Regular use of drugs like cocaine, meth, or prescription stimulants that leads to a pattern of overuse, cravings, or risky behaviours.
-
Tobacco Use Disorder - Addiction to nicotine, whether from cigarettes, vapes, or other products, making it hard to quit even with health issues or other negative effects.
-
Gambling Disorder - An inability to stop gambling, even when it causes financial problems, damages relationships, or leads to intense stress and guilt.
Problematic Behaviours (when excessive / impulsive)
-
Excessive Gaming
-
Excessive Internet or social media use
-
Excessive Dating apps use
-
Excessive / Risky Sex and pornography
-
Excessive / Impulsive Shopping or spending
-
Food (e.g., binge eating)
-
Exercise (compulsive exercise)
-
Work (workaholism)
Addictions v Problematic Behaviours
-
Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life (e.g., work, health, relationships).
-
Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
-
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks involving intense fear or discomfort, peaking within minutes.
-
Symptoms of panic attacks include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, dizziness, chills, or fear of losing control.
-
Persistent worry about having additional attacks or behavioural changes to avoid triggering them.
Specific Phobia
-
Intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity (e.g., animals, heights, flying).
-
Exposure to the phobic stimulus almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety, often leading to avoidance behaviour.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
-
Significant fear or anxiety about social situations where the individual may be scrutinised, judged, or humiliated.
-
Commonly associated with avoidance of public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in public.
Agoraphobia
-
Fear or anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in case of panic-like symptoms.
-
Common situations include open spaces, public transportation, enclosed spaces, crowds, or being outside the home alone.
-
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, characterised by feelings of worry, fear, or unease about potential threats or uncertain outcomes. While occasional anxiety is normal, excessive or persistent anxiety can interfere with daily life, manifesting as restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes and are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, sweating, and feelings of losing control or impending doom. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or in response to specific triggers, and they are a hallmark feature of panic disorder.
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
-
Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life (e.g., work, health, relationships).
-
Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
-
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks involving intense fear or discomfort, peaking within minutes.
-
Symptoms of panic attacks include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, dizziness, chills, or fear of losing control.
-
Persistent worry about having additional attacks or behavioural changes to avoid triggering them.
Specific Phobia
-
Intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity (e.g., animals, heights, flying).
-
Exposure to the phobic stimulus almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety, often leading to avoidance behaviour.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
-
Significant fear or anxiety about social situations where the individual may be scrutinised, judged, or humiliated.
-
Commonly associated with avoidance of public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in public.
Agoraphobia
-
Fear or anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in case of panic-like symptoms.
-
Common situations include open spaces, public transportation, enclosed spaces, crowds, or being outside the home alone.
-
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition involving a persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance, often minor or unnoticeable to others. Symptoms include excessive mirror checking or avoidance, grooming, seeking reassurance, social withdrawal, and pursuing unnecessary cosmetic procedures. It can lead to significant distress, impacting daily life and relationships. A subtype, muscle dysmorphia, involves an obsession with being insufficiently muscular. BDD often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or disordered eating, and tailored treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help manage symptoms effectively.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) / Muscle Dysmorphia
Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by:
-
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when underweight.
-
Persistent behaviours to prevent weight gain (e.g., restrictive eating, excessive exercise).
-
Distorted self-image and an undue influence of body weight/shape on self-worth.
This condition often leads to severe medical complications due to malnutrition and significant weight loss.
Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
Bulimia Nervosa involves:
-
Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterised by consuming large amounts of food within a short time and feeling a lack of control.
-
Compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.
-
A preoccupation with body shape and weight, often accompanied by feelings of shame or guilt.
Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
Binge-Eating Disorder is defined by:
-
Recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviours.
-
Eating rapidly, until uncomfortably full, or when not physically hungry, often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, or distress.
It is the most common eating disorder and affects individuals across all body sizes.
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)
ARFID involves:
-
A lack of interest in food or eating, or avoidance based on sensory characteristics of food or fear of adverse consequences (e.g., choking, vomiting).
-
Significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or interference with growth and development, without concerns about body image.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Pica is the persistent eating of non-food substances (e.g., dirt, chalk, paper) over at least one month, inappropriate for developmental level or cultural practices.
Pica
This condition involves the repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out, lasting for at least one month and not due to a medical condition.
Rumination Disorder
-
Gender Incongruence is NOT a mental health condition. It refers to a mismatch between a person's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned gender at birth. This may cause significant distress, especially when societal norms or expectations conflict with an individual's gender identity.
Gender Incongruence
Gender Dysphoria is the emotional distress experienced as a result of gender incongruence. This distress can include discomfort with one's physical body, anxiety about social acceptance, or frustration due to the inability to express one's gender identity authentically. In many jurisdictions, someone seeking gender affirming medical or surgical treatment may require a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Gender Dysphoria
Common Gender Concerns / Issues
-
Self-Discovery and Identity Exploration
-
Social and Family Acceptance
-
Transitioning Support
-
Gender Dysphoria-Related Stress
-
Mental Health Co-Occurrences
-
Navigating Medical Systems:
-
Identity-Based Trauma
-
Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming Identities
As a registered psychologist, I provide gender-affirming care that is compassionate and tailored to each individual’s needs. I am a member of WPATH, AUSPATH, and AsiaPATH, and have completed foundational and advanced transgender mental health training. I offer psychological assessments, emotional support, and assistance with social or medical transition planning. Additionally, I can provide letters of support for those seeking gender-affirming medical treatments (GAMST), where applicable.
-
Characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. It can significantly impact daily functioning and last for weeks or months without treatment.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
A long-term form of depression where symptoms are less severe but last for at least two years or longer, leading to ongoing low mood.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) (also known as Dysthymia)
-
Bipolar I Disorder: Involves extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (elevated mood, increased energy, impulsive behaviour) and depressive episodes.
-
Bipolar II Disorder: Characterised by cycles of hypomanic episodes (less severe mania) and depressive episodes, with no full manic episodes.
Bipolar I & 2 Disorders (BiPolar Affective Disorders, BPAD)
A milder form of bipolar disorder, involving numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet full criteria for either manic or depressive episodes.
Cyclothymia / Cyclothymic Disorder
-
Neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD and Autism, are not mental health disorders but differences in brain development that affect how individuals think, learn, and process the world around them. While these conditions can influence mental health, they are distinct from mental illnesses and are best understood through a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach that recognises and supports individual differences.
Neurodivergency is not a mental health condition
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact daily functioning and relationships. In adulthood, many individuals with ADHD engage in masking or camouflaging behaviours, consciously or unconsciously suppressing their traits to meet societal expectations, often resulting in emotional exhaustion and burnout.
ADHD can present differently between men and women, with women more likely to exhibit internalised symptoms like inattentiveness or emotional dysregulation, while men often display externalised behaviours such as hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Clients often seek support for secondary issues that suggest underlying ADHD, including burnout and impulsive behaviours such as problematic use of pornography or dating apps, substance or alcohol misuse, overspending, or risky decision-making. Work or study stress, difficulties maintaining relationships, and challenges with self-esteem are also common concerns. By addressing these issues, I help clients better understand and manage their ADHD, empowering them to lead more fulfilling lives.
For more information on Adult ADHD Management
ADHD
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of repetitive or restricted behaviours. It presents uniquely in each individual, with varying levels of support needs and strengths, often referred to as a spectrum.
Many autistic individuals experience challenges in navigating social norms, processing sensory stimuli, or adapting to change, but they may also possess distinct skills or areas of intense focus. In adulthood, autism can often be masked or camouflaged, particularly among women and marginalised groups, which may lead to fatigue or misdiagnosis. Tailored support can help autistic individuals embrace their neurodivergence and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Autism
People may seek psychological support for a range of relationship and family problems, including:
-
Communication issues, where partners or family members struggle to express themselves or understand each other.
-
Conflict resolution, dealing with unresolved disputes, power struggles, or recurring arguments.
-
Trust and infidelity, including breaches of trust and rebuilding emotional safety.
-
Parent-child dynamics, including disagreements on parenting or strained family relationships.
-
Separation and divorce, coping with emotional distress, custody, and shared responsibilities.
-
Family conflicts, especially in blended families or with extended family members.
-
Intimacy and sexual health, addressing issues like sexual dysfunction or emotional distance.
-
Domestic violence, tackling abuse and power imbalances in relationships.
-
Cultural or religious differences, navigating conflicting values within families or partnerships.
I am friendly towards different relationship types, including non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships. While I currently do not provide couples therapy, I may offer it later in 2025. Therapy can help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster healthier, more connected relationships.
Relationships and Family Issues
-
People often seek psychological support for role transitions and adjustments in various areas of life, which can involve significant changes in identity, responsibilities, or life circumstances. These transitions can cause stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. Common examples include:
-
Career changes - such as switching industries, job loss, or starting a new business, and the emotional impact of these shifts.
-
Retirement - navigating the transition from a structured work life to new personal and social roles, which can lead to a sense of loss or a need for purpose.
-
Parenthood - adjusting to the responsibilities and identity shifts that come with having children or becoming a parent for the first time.
-
Relationship transitions - such as moving in together, marriage, or changes in relationship dynamics, including separation or divorce.
-
Cultural or geographical relocation (expats) - adjusting to life in a new country or culture, including challenges related to immigration, settling in, or returning to a familiar environment after time abroad.
-
Health-related role changes - adjusting to a new physical or mental health diagnosis, managing caregiving responsibilities, or adapting to new limitations.
-
Aging - facing changes in health, independence, and the shifting roles within family and social structures as one ages.
-
Life milestones - such as transitioning from adolescence to adulthood or adjusting to mid-life changes, often involving reflections on past choices and future goals.
Therapy can provide guidance and support through these transitions, helping individuals build resilience, cope with stress, and find new strategies for navigating changes in their roles and identities.
Role Transitions and Adjustments
-
Sexuality issues and concerns can encompass a wide range of topics that individuals may wish to explore or address. These may include:
-
Sexual identity exploration - where individuals are questioning or discovering their sexual orientation, such as whether they are gay, bisexual, pansexual, or heterosexual.
-
Coming out - involving the emotional and social challenges of disclosing one’s sexual orientation to others, such as family, friends, or colleagues.
-
Societal pressures and expectations - navigating the challenges of fitting within societal norms around sexuality, or reconciling personal desires with external expectations.
-
Cultural or religious conflicts - when an individual's sexual identity or behaviours conflict with the cultural or religious values they hold, leading to stress, shame, or confusion.
-
Minority stress and identity-based trauma - especially for individuals who face discrimination, rejection, or stigmatization due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and self-doubt.
-
Sexual exploration - where individuals seek guidance on exploring new aspects of their sexuality in a safe, consensual, and positive way, whether it’s about desires, preferences, or experimentation.
Therapy offers a confidential, supportive environment for exploring these concerns, helping individuals navigate their sexual identities, understand their feelings, and build a healthier relationship with their sexuality.
Sexuality Issues and Concerns
-
Sexual health and intimacy are integral to emotional and physical well-being, and individuals within the LGBTQI+ and male communities may seek psychological support to address a variety of concerns. These can include:
-
Sexual dysfunction - such as difficulties with arousal, desire, orgasm, erectile dysfunction, or sexual performance that can impact satisfaction and relationships.
-
Intimacy struggles - including emotional distance, communication breakdowns, or lack of connection with partners, which can affect closeness and sexual fulfilment.
-
Sexual health concerns - including managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), adjusting to an STI diagnosis, and ensuring sexual safety in relationships.
-
Sexual anxiety - which can lead to fear or nervousness about sexual performance, intimacy, or vulnerability.
-
Sexual addictions - including compulsive sexual behaviours or problematic pornography use/addiction that interfere with daily life and relationships.
-
Orgasm or pleasure difficulties - such as challenges in reaching orgasm or experiencing sexual satisfaction, which can affect overall well-being and intimacy.
-
Sexual trauma - including both recent and historical trauma that impacts emotional and sexual health, leading to trust issues, fear, or avoidance of intimacy.
-
Sex work support - assisting individuals in navigating the emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of sex work, including the impact on self-esteem, safety, and personal relationships.
-
Sexual education - providing accurate and inclusive information about sexual health, PrEP, and safe practices at sex-on-premises venues and beats to enhance sexual well-being.
-
Gender transition/questioning and its impact on sexuality - supporting individuals who are exploring or undergoing gender transition, helping them navigate changes in sexual identity, desire, and intimacy.
-
Body image and self-esteem - influencing one's ability to feel confident and comfortable during intimate moments, affecting sexual expression and desire.
-
Communication around sexuality - such as difficulties in discussing sexual needs, boundaries, and desires with partners, which can cause tension or misunderstandings.
-
Desire discrepancies - where partners experience differing levels of sexual interest, creating strain in relationships.
-
Fetishes, kink, and BDSM - providing a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their interests and preferences, while ensuring these activities are consensual, healthy, and safe.
-
Non-monogamy and polyamory - fostering an open, inclusive environment where individuals and couples can explore non-traditional relationship structures without judgment, ensuring communication, boundaries, and mutual respect are maintained.
-
HIV status - including managing the emotional and psychological impact of living with HIV, concerns around disclosure, stigma, and navigating relationships and sexual health.
Affirmative and Friendly
I am kink-friendly and non-monogamy/polyamory-friendly, offering support that respects diverse sexual identities and practices. Psychological support for sexual health and intimacy provides a safe and understanding environment to address a wide range of issues—from sexual dysfunction and trauma to exploring identity and desires—helping individuals build healthier, more fulfilling sexual relationships that align with their authentic selves.
Sexual Health and Intimacy
-
Stress
Stress is a natural response to demands or pressures, but when it becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can significantly affect mental and physical health. People may seek psychological support for various types of stress, including:
-
Work-related stress - stemming from job demands, long hours, workplace conflicts, or job insecurity, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and decreased productivity.
-
Academic stress - commonly experienced by students dealing with pressure from exams, deadlines, performance expectations, and balancing studies with personal life.
-
Relationship stress - arising from conflicts, poor communication, or unmet expectations in romantic relationships, friendships, or family dynamics.
-
Financial stress - caused by debt, financial instability, or the pressure of meeting financial obligations, which can lead to feelings of helplessness or anxiety.
-
Parenting stress - faced by individuals navigating the challenges of raising children, including balancing responsibilities, managing children's behaviour, or concerns about their development.
-
Health-related stress - triggered by chronic illness, injury, or concerns about personal health, including coping with diagnoses, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes.
-
Trauma-related stress - which can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to anxiety, flashbacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
-
Cultural or identity stress - often experienced by individuals facing discrimination or struggling with identity-related challenges, such as racial, gender, or sexual identity conflicts.
-
Change or transition stress - linked to major life changes, such as relocation, career changes, or adjusting to new circumstances, such as marriage or retirement.
-
Minority stress - affecting individuals from minority groups (e.g., LGBTQI+, people of colour, etc.) due to societal stigma, discrimination, and the burden of concealing or navigating one's identity.
-
Chronic stress - involving long-term stressors that accumulate over time, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, which can contribute to conditions like anxiety or depression.
Chronic or unmanaged stress can also exacerbate existing neurological and mental health conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma-related conditions, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms and increased difficulty in managing daily life. Psychologists work with individuals to identify the causes of stress, develop effective coping strategies, and help manage both short-term and long-term stressors to improve overall well-being.
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, typically related to work or caregiving roles. It goes beyond regular stress, often resulting from feeling overwhelmed, unappreciated, or lacking control in one’s work or responsibilities. Key characteristics of burnout include:
-
Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and unable to cope with the demands of work or life.
-
Cynicism or detachment: A sense of detachment from work, a negative outlook, or feeling disconnected from others.
-
Reduced performance: A decrease in productivity or satisfaction in work, along with a sense of inadequacy or lack of achievement.
Burnout differs from stress in that stress can be temporary and related to specific challenges or pressures, whereas burnout is a chronic state that results from prolonged exposure to high levels of stress without adequate recovery. Burnout can also lead to physical health issues, such as insomnia, headaches, and a weakened immune system, making it more serious than regular stress.
Burnout
-
Trauma can take many forms, and individuals may seek psychological support for various types of traumatic experiences. These include:
-
Physical trauma: Resulting from injuries or accidents, such as car accidents, falls, or assaults. This may lead to physical and emotional scars, including pain, PTSD, or heightened stress responses.
-
Emotional or psychological trauma: Often caused by experiences such as verbal abuse, humiliation, or betrayal, leading to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and emotional instability.
-
Sexual trauma: Involves any form of sexual abuse, assault, or exploitation. Survivors often face complex psychological consequences, including PTSD, difficulties in relationships, and challenges with intimacy.
-
Childhood trauma: Trauma experienced during childhood, including neglect, abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), or witnessing domestic violence. This type of trauma can deeply impact self-esteem, emotional regulation, and relationships in adulthood.
-
Complex trauma: Refers to prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as ongoing abuse or living in unstable or dangerous environments. This can result in significant emotional, psychological, and relational issues, affecting self-worth and interpersonal connections.
-
Trauma / Grief from loss: Caused by the death or serious illness of a loved one, which can lead to complicated grief, emotional distress, and symptoms of PTSD.
-
Acute trauma: Results from a single, intense traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a violent attack, or a sudden, unexpected loss. While often temporary, the impact can be long-lasting without proper support.
-
Vicarious or secondary trauma: Experienced by those who are exposed to the trauma of others, such as healthcare workers, therapists, or family members of trauma survivors. This can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD, such as emotional numbing and intrusive thoughts.
-
Collective trauma: Affects entire communities or groups, such as cultural or historical trauma, war, or genocide. The emotional impacts of these events can be passed down through generations, deeply affecting a group's cultural identity and mental health.
-
Developmental trauma: Trauma experienced during critical stages of development, such as early childhood, that impacts attachment, emotional regulation, and the ability to trust. These experiences can influence a person's ability to form healthy relationships later in life.
-
Trauma related to identity-based discrimination: Includes experiences of racism, homophobia, sexism, or other forms of societal discrimination. This can lead to minority stress, negatively affecting mental health and contributing to a range of psychological difficulties.
-
Intergenerational trauma: Trauma that is passed down from one generation to the next, often as a result of a parent's or grandparent's traumatic experiences. This can impact family dynamics, cultural identity, and emotional well-being, with the effects manifesting in ways that are often unspoken or unconscious.
Types of Trauma
Characterised by intrusive memories of a traumatic event, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal (e.g., hypervigilance, irritability). PTSD is often triggered by experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or horrific event.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that arises from prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or violence. It shares symptoms with PTSD, including intrusive memories and hyperarousal, but also includes additional challenges such as:
-
Difficulty regulating emotions
-
Negative self-perception (e.g., shame, guilt)
-
Dissociation
-
Trouble forming and maintaining relationships
-
Persistent hopelessness
CPTSD is often treated with trauma-informed therapies like EMDR, TF-CBT, and DBT, focusing on emotional regulation and trauma processing. It requires a long-term therapeutic approach for healing.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
Acute Stress Disorder
Similar to PTSD, this condition occurs within the first month following a traumatic event and includes symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, dissociation, and avoidance. If symptoms persist beyond a month, a diagnosis of PTSD may be considered.
A stress-related condition that occurs when an individual has difficulty adjusting to significant life changes, such as divorce, job loss, or moving. Symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, or emotional outbursts.
Adjustment Disorder
-