Specialist Therapy in Belfast and across Northern Ireland

Always being "on guard" or waiting for something to happen.

Feeling as though a past event is happening in the present.

Feeling "flat," detached, or unable to experience joy.

Steering clear of people, places, or situations that trigger memories and unsettled feelings.

Carrying a heavy sense of guilt or blame for things outside of your control.

Feeling like you are "floating" outside your body or that the world isn't real.

Engaging in high-risk behaviours to "feel something" or to self-soothe.

Unexplained pain, migraines, or a "tight" chest/shoulders/neck/jaw.

An exaggerated jumpiness to loud noises or sudden movements.

Fight 'Defense' response can irritability, anger, a tight jaw, or a sudden urge to snap at others.

Flight 'Avoidance' response can cause panic, restlessness, a need to "get out" or "away".

Freeze 'Paralysis' response can cause numbness, brain fog, feeling stuck, or a sense of heaviness in the limbs.

Constantly worrying that family, partners or friends will leave.

Unhealthy patterns passed down through family lines.

A need to please others or manage others' moods to feel safe and wanted.

Adult: Navigating significant change and loss of a long-term relationship.

Child:When a child or young person feels caught in the middle between parents that are in conflict. Managing the challenges of living between two houses.

Dealing with the death of a loved one, person or pet.

Feeling misunderstood or invisible even when surrounded by people.

Struggling with the question of "Who am I?" 

The persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud" in professional settings.

Feeling drained by one-sided friendships where all the effort is placed on you.

Finding it hard to love and accept yourself.

Constantly rehearsing future scenarios or dwelling on past mistakes.

Clenched jaw, grinding teeth, tight shoulders, neck pain. frequent headaches or migraines. Can include changes in body temperature like clammy hands and sweating.

Difficulty falling asleep because your mind won't shut off, or waking up in the middle of the night.

Anxiety often triggers a "worry tummy" causing nausea, cramping, or general digestive discomfort.

Feeling that your heart is skipping a beat, racing, short of a breath or that there is a heavy weight sitting on your chest

Sudden, intense onset of extreme fear or physical distress that reaches a peak within minutes.

Startle easily at small noises or feel a general sense of unease and/or fear.

Finding making choices and decision in everyday life a struggle.

Obesessive and compulsive behaviours that are driven by need for control.

School avoidance is a visible, distressing struggle where a child feels emotionally unable to attend school. It is often a nervous system response to feeling unsafe.

A persistent feeling that you aren't doing enough, despite being completely depleted.

Finding it hard to stay calm when your situation, child or loved one is challenging.

Sensing that your identity has changed by your role as a parent or carer.

Feeling exhausted and completely depleted even after sleeping. 

An inability to envision positive outcomes in life and situations.

Always waiting for the "something to happen" or feeling unable to relax even when things are settled.

Feeling a sense of frustration, anger, irritability or loss of patience over your current role and situation.

Feeling disconnected from your partner, friends, or even the person you are caring for.

Difficulty concentrating, forgetting appointments, or feeling "spaced out."

Feeling like your current situation is permanent and unchangeable.

Avoiding social gatherings because the effort to "act okay" is too high or need to avoid the awkward "how's things?".