Trauma (including PTSD and complex trauma)

Trauma can affect us in ways we don’t always see at first. Whether from a one-time incident or a buildup of painful, overwhelming experiences, trauma can leave us feeling emotionally raw, constantly on alert, or disconnected from ourselves and others. You may find that certain feelings, reactions, or patterns don’t make sense on the surface—but they make perfect sense when we understand them as trauma responses.

​

I offer a safe, grounded, and compassionate space to explore and gently work through the effects of trauma at your own pace. You don’t have to carry it alone.

​

Understanding Trauma

​

Trauma is not just about what happened to you—it’s about how your nervous system had to respond in order to survive. When an experience is too much, too fast, or too soon for your mind and body to handle, it can overwhelm your system and leave a lasting imprint.

​

Even long after the danger has passed, your body may still be responding as though it’s happening now. You might experience:

​

• Heightened anxiety or always being “on edge”

• Emotional numbness or a sense of being disconnected

• Feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame

• Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or feeling safe

• Difficulties in relationships or trusting others

​

Nightmares and Flashbacks

​

Two of the most common and distressing trauma symptoms are flashbacks and nightmares. Flashbacks can feel like you’re suddenly reliving the traumatic event, emotionally or physically, even if you know on some level you’re not in danger now. These moments can be disorienting, frightening, and exhausting.

​

Nightmares may disrupt your sleep and leave you waking in a state of panic, fear, or confusion. They can be direct replays of the trauma, or symbolic representations that your mind is still trying to process.

​

These experiences are your brain’s way of trying to make sense of something that felt senseless. They’re not signs that you’re broken—they’re signs that your system is still trying to protect you.

​

Together, we can explore ways to reduce the intensity and frequency of these symptoms, while building tools to help you feel more grounded, safe, and in control again.

​

PTSD and Complex Trauma

​

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop after a single traumatic event such as a car accident, assault, or medical emergency.

​

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) often develops from long-term, repeated trauma-such as childhood neglect, emotional abuse, or growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment. This may also involve challenges with low self-worth, chronic anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or difficulties forming and maintaining relationships.

​

Both types of trauma can deeply affect how we feel, relate, and function—but healing is possible.

 

How We Support Trauma Recovery

​

At Aligned Mindset Therapy, our trauma-informed and integrative approach is tailored to meet you where you are. We may incorporate:

​

• Psychotherapy grounded in compassion and safety, to help you understand and process your experience

• Somatic (body-based) practices, helping your nervous system gently release stored tension and trauma

• Parts work and inner child healing, especially useful in complex trauma

• Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, to shift trauma-related thoughts, habits, and patterns

• Mindfulness and grounding strategies, so you can reconnect to the present moment and feel more in control

 

There is no pressure to revisit painful memories before you're ready. Instead, we work together to build safety, stability, and trust—internally and in the therapeutic relationship.

​

Your Struggles Are Understandable

​

What you're experiencing is a natural response to an overwhelming situation. You're not overreacting, and you’re not failing. In fact, the ways you’ve learned to survive have likely helped you more than you realise—even if they no longer serve you now.

​

Our work is about helping you reclaim a sense of calm, connection, and self-trust. Healing from trauma doesn’t mean forgetting or pushing things away—it means creating space for your life beyond the trauma to unfold.

You deserve support that sees the whole of you—not just the pain. When you're ready, we’re here to walk with you on your healing path.