If you've ever been told you're "emotionally unavailable," or found yourself instinctively withdrawing in relationships when things start to feel too intimate, too needy, or even just "too much," you're not alone.

In this post, we’ll dive into what avoidant attachment is, why it leads to the tendency to withdraw in relationships, and how to challenge these patterns in a healthy, compassionate way. We’ll also explore how healing from these behaviors can lead to more fulfilling and emotionally secure relationships, both with yourself and with your partner.

As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I’ve seen how deeply complex PTSD can affect relationships—especially when triggers and flashbacks disrupt connection. But here’s the good news: With the right strategies, you and your partner can build a stronger relationship, learn how to support each other through triggering moments, and create a safe space for healing. It’s not always easy, but it’s entirely possible.

Avoidant attachment typically develops when emotional needs weren’t consistently met in childhood. Maybe you had caregivers who were emotionally distant, expected you to be self-reliant too early, or punished vulnerability. So you adapted. You learned that closeness can be unsafe, that expressing needs might lead to rejection—or worse, shame.

Anxious attachment is one of the four main attachment styles. It often develops in childhood when caregivers are inconsistent in their responses—sometimes available, sometimes emotionally distant, unpredictable, or overwhelmed. As a result, the child learns that love is unreliable, and they must be hyper-aware of others to avoid rejection.

Empowering assertiveness is the ability to communicate your needs, limits, and feelings directly and respectfully. It's not about being aggressive or demanding—it's about honoring your needs while still being mindful of others. For individuals with anxious attachment, assertiveness can feel risky. You're used to prioritizing others, tiptoeing around potential conflict, or sacrificing your own comfort to keep the peace.

Trauma masking is one of the most overlooked ways people cope with past relational wounds. It’s not always obvious—it can look like being the “strong one,” the people-pleaser, or the partner who never asks for help. But underneath those polished exteriors, many trauma survivors are silently navigating a deep fear of rejection or emotional pain.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what anxious attachment is, what it can look and feel like, and how it affects relationships. We'll also talk about practical coping strategies, as well as how therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting can help you build more secure, grounded connections. For those in partnerships, we’ll also touch on how couples therapy can be a powerful space for healing together.

Attachment wounds and the fear of abandonment often develop early in life due to neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or traumatic relational experiences. However, healing is possible. With the right therapeutic interventions and self-awareness, individuals can work towards cultivating secure attachments and overcoming their fears.

Trust and intimacy are fundamental to healthy relationships, but for individuals with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), these elements can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Trauma—especially when it occurs over a prolonged period—can rewire the brain’s ability to trust, making vulnerability in relationships feel overwhelming or even dangerous. However, healing is possible.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and magic. But for those who’ve experienced trauma, the holidays can feel like anything but. Whether due to the loss of a loved one, strained relationships, or a past event that reshaped your sense of safety, holiday traditions can feel overwhelming or even triggering. The good news? You have the power to create new traditions that reflect your needs, values, and healing journey. Let’s explore how.

Trauma has a way of shaping our lives in profound and often invisible ways. It can affect how we see ourselves, connect with others, and navigate the world. For those carrying the weight of unresolved trauma, therapy can be a transformative tool to reclaim a sense of safety, stability, and connection. Let’s explore what trauma is, how it impacts us, and the therapeutic approaches that can guide you on a path to healing.

When anxiety takes hold, it can make everyday tasks feel insurmountable and strain relationships, work, and self-esteem. If you’ve tried to manage your anxiety on your own or with previous therapies but haven’t found lasting relief, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but the good news is that effective treatment is available. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what therapy for anxiety looks like, what you can expect from this type of treatment, and why it’s particularly helpful for people who have experienced trauma.

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in shaping how we view ourselves and the world around us. It affects our relationships, our work, and our overall sense of well-being. When self-esteem is low, it can leave us feeling stuck, unworthy, and disconnected from our true potential. Therapy for self-esteem is designed to help individuals explore the root causes of their low self-worth, develop healthier self-perceptions, and build a stronger foundation for confidence and self-compassion.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an innovative and compassionate approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the understanding and healing of the multiple sub-personalities, or "parts," within each person. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS offers a unique lens through which to view and treat psychological issues, particularly those rooted in trauma.