Individual Therapy

TRAUMA WORK

Complex Developmental Trauma: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Adversity

Trauma has become a buzzword on social media, but what does it actually mean? Contrary to the popular belief that trauma requires physical scars, it encompasses any experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. During childhood, consistent exposure to stressful circumstances can disrupt the development of a healthy nervous system. This can lead to chronic activation of the “fight, flight, or freeze” response, hindering the ability to regulate emotions and form secure attachments.

Complex Developmental Trauma is more prevalent than many realize. It can arise from various childhood experiences, including having emotionally immature parents. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, ranging from moderate to debilitating.

Signs that may indicate a need for trauma-informed therapy:

Constant anticipation of negative events (“waiting for the other shoe to drop”)
Intense fear of abandonment
Difficulty committing to relationships
Low self-esteem and self-confidence
Lack of clear life goals and direction
Persistent feelings of shame and inadequacy
Struggles in various areas of life (e.g., relationships, work, academics)
Anxiety, including fear of death and impending doom
Mental health conditions such as panic disorder, OCD, and suicidal ideation
Substance use disorders
Personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder

ATTACHMENT WORK

Do you feel exhausted by your relationships?

Perhaps you find yourself constantly focused on relationships and trying to maintain a healthy dynamic, while your partner seems carefree, or distant. You may feel neglected, unseen, and undervalued, especially when stressed. You often initiate connection and repair, while your partner’s attention is directed elsewhere. This can leave you feeling like you’re solely responsible for the relationship’s well-being, leading to feelings of resentment and being labeled as “high-maintenance.” Do you grapple with a deep-seated fear of being “too much” while simultaneously feeling invisible?

Or perhaps you feel like you are under a microscope…

Your partner seems to have unspoken expectations, and no matter what you do, it never seems to be enough. You prioritize maintaining peace, suppressing your own emotions to avoid conflict. You may find yourself emotionally distancing yourself, yearning for a partner who truly understands you. This can lead to feelings of apathy and a constant search for something “better” – past relationships that seemed more fulfilling or the idealized image of a future partner.

Signs that may indicate a need for attachment-informed therapy:

Fear of abandonment by partners

Intense relationship anxiety

Over-investment in relationships

Strong craving for emotional intimacy

Negative self-talk and internalizing criticism

Self-doubt and low self-esteem

Hypervigilance for signs of partner withdrawal

Feeling undervalued in relationships

Unsatisfying and unfulfilling relationship experiences

Excessive independence to avoid dependency

Emotional distancing through excuses

Belief that emotional intimacy is undesirable or unattainable

Suppression of vulnerable emotions

Difficulty trusting others

Denial of the need for closeness

Emotional unavailability in relationships

Let's work together to uncover your unique relational patterns.

We can explore how these patterns are impacting your relationships and develop strategies to shift them. This will empower you to create healthier, more fulfilling connections and experience the love you truly desire.

PURPOSE AND MEANING

Struggling to Find Your Place.

What looks easy for other people, finding purpose or maintaining a job, feels like an insurmountable challenge. You may question your own abilities, wondering if there’s something inherently wrong with you. Despite your intelligence, the daily grind of work can feel unbearable, and even the promise of a paycheck may lose its appeal after a short time.

Frustration often arises from a lack of understanding from others. Phrases like “Why don’t you just…(get a job)” have become all too familiar. You possess a deep well of passion and talent, yet finding a fulfilling outlet for these gifts can feel like an impossible puzzle. Job descriptions rarely seem to fit your unique skill set, and the very act of filling out applications and crafting a resume can feel like a soul-crushing endeavor. Your priorities shift frequently, long-term goals seem elusive, and the pursuit of security rarely serves as a motivating force. How can you build a successful career when your natural inclinations seem to clash with the demands of the conventional culture?

Signs that may indicate a need for life purpose work:

Difficulty focusing on tasks: Easily distracted by internal thoughts or external stimuli.
Problems with sustained attention: Difficulty concentrating on meetings, presentations, or long reports.
Difficulty with time management and organizational skills: Difficulty prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing projects effectively.
Procrastination and difficulty starting tasks: Putting off work, especially those that require sustained mental effort or attention to detail.
Frequent forgetfulness: Missing important meetings, deadlines, or appointments.
Difficulty following through on instructions or completing projects.
Loss of focus due to boredom or lack of stimulation.

Let's work together to unlock your potential.

We will explore your unique strengths, interests, and values and identify challenge areas to help you get on a path that aligns with your authentic self.

shannon mirabel iris