Family Conflict and Childhood Trauma

Family functioning 

Family conflict comes in as many forms as there are families, and the degree to which it is a problem for individuals is just as variable.  You may be finding that, for you there is:

• Constant conflict with your parents or siblings

• A feeling that your parents are fostering a sense of dependence on them or interfering a bit too much

• An absence of normal levels of love and support, or lengthy periods of non-communication between you and the family or some members of the family

• Stress because of remarriages or children from previous or new marriages

If so, we can help you find ways of improving the situation or managing its impact on you.  It might involve better ways of communicating, establishing new boundaries between yourself and other family members, or learning how to handle conflict situations better through assertiveness skills.

Childhood trauma - treatment for the damage done

Childhood trauma is sometimes the underlying reason for Family Conflict, and may also be the cause of a host of other psychological issues including Anxiety and Depression.  

Treatment in these cases is by either Schema Therapy or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy – both are specialized versions of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy that take into account the deep seated nature of the emotional trauma and the often destructive behavioural problems (e.g. problematic alcohol or drug use, or self harm) that you might be experiencing.