Trauma-Related Presentations

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

Developmental and attachment trauma

Childhood neglect or abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)

Single-incident trauma (accidents, assaults, medical procedures, surgeries)

Vicarious or secondary trauma (e.g., therapists, first responders, caregivers)

Dissociation, derealization, or depersonalization

Flashbacks and intrusive memories

Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle, or hyperarousal response

Emotional Dysregulation

Anxiety and panic attacks

Depression, low mood, or hopelessness

Emotional numbness or shutdown

Chronic shame, guilt, or inner criticism

Unresolved grief and complicated loss

Emotional overwhelm or sensitivity

Mood swings or affective instability

Anger outbursts or suppressed rage

Stress & Nervous System Imbalance

Chronic stress and adrenal burnout

Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn patterns

Sleep disturbances, insomnia, or nightmares

Chronic fatigue or low resilience

Somatic symptoms with no clear medical explanation

Migraines and tension-type headaches

Gut-brain symptoms (IBS, nausea, bloating under stress)

Autoimmune flare-ups worsened by stress

Relational & Attachment Difficulties

Insecure or disorganized attachment patterns

Fear of intimacy, vulnerability, or abandonment

Boundary confusion or enmeshment

Codependency and people-pleasing patterns

Relationship avoidance or sabotage

Distrust and difficulty forming safe bonds

Repetitive cycles of conflict or emotional withdrawal

Behavioural & Cognitive Patterns
Addictions and compulsive behaviors (alcohol, substances, porn, food, tech)

Procrastination, indecision, or avoidance loops

Self-sabotage and internal resistance to change

Perfectionism and overachievement driven by fear

Ruminative, obsessive, or intrusive thinking

Low drive, apathy, or freeze states

Loss of identity or fragmented sense of self

Body-Based & Psychosomatic Symptoms
Muscle tension, pain, or somatic “armouring”

Fibromyalgia and idiopathic chronic pain conditions

Restricted breathing, shallow breath, or breath-holding

Sensory sensitivity or hypersensitivity to stimuli

Somatic flashbacks or emotional memories in the body

Postural patterns reflecting trauma imprints

Dizziness or faintness with emotional triggers

Performance & Functioning Blocks
Performance anxiety in academics, sport, or work

Leadership fears or impostor syndrome

Creative blocks or loss of expressive flow

Sexual inhibition, fear, or dysfunction (non-medical)

Fear of failure—or fear of success

Executive dysfunction (memory, planning, focus, overwhelm)

Public speaking or visibility fears

Life Transitions & Identity Crisis
Major life upheavals (divorce, redundancy, illness, relocation)

Spiritual awakening or existential questioning

Loss of purpose, meaning, or direction

Post-trauma identity restructuring or confusion

Adjustment difficulties after trauma recovery

Cultural & Social Stressors
Cultural dislocation or identity fragmentation

Intergenerational family trauma patterns

Racialised trauma and systemic oppression

Migration, displacement, and refugee trauma

Social marginalization or belonging wounds