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The Drama Triangle: Why We Get Stuck, and How to Get Out
The Drama Triangle explains why the same conflicts keep happening in relationships, families, and at work. This is a guide to the Persecutor, Victim, and Rescuer roles: what they are, why we switch between them, and how to step out of the pattern for good.

Deborah Gillard
4 hours ago


When Betrayal Becomes Trauma: How Affairs Can Cause PTSD-Like Symptoms in the Betrayed Partner
Discovered a partner's affair? The shock, intrusive thoughts & hypervigilance you feel are recognised trauma responses.

Deborah Gillard
Feb 25


Grief When No One Has Died: The Invisible Losses We Carry
Grief isn’t only about death. As a therapist, I often sit with people mourning lost relationships, missed chances, shifting identities, or the life they imagined but didn’t get. This quieter grief can feel confusing and invisible, yet it deserves care. In this post, I explore how to recognise non-death losses, make space for the pain, and begin healing with compassion and self-understanding.

Deborah Gillard
Feb 13


Neurodivergent Parenting: Why Your Mental Health Matters More Than Perfection
An in-depth look at neurodivergent parenting, mental health, burnout, shame, and why supporting parents supports children too.

Deborah Gillard
Jan 27


Why Conflict Isn’t Failure in Relationships (Especially in December)
Conflict often increases during December, but that doesn’t mean your relationship is failing. Written from a trauma-informed couples therapy perspective, this article explores why stress, attachment, and nervous system overwhelm make conflict more likely at this time of year, and how understanding this can support repair, safety, and connection.

Deborah Gillard
Jan 19


Trauma Bonding: Why Leaving Feels So Impossible
Explore the neurobiology and relational science of trauma-bonding in intimate partner abuse. As a trauma-informed couples therapist, I explain why leaving can feel impossible, how attachment, intermittent abuse and fear regulation interact, and evidence-based pathways toward healing.

Deborah Gillard
Nov 19, 2025


Coercive Control: Understanding and Recognising Invisible Chains in Relationships
Discover what coercive control really means in intimate partner relationships, how it differs from conflict or situational violence, and the evidence-based signs to watch for. Written by a trauma-informed couples therapist, this post empowers survivors and allies to recognise patterns of domination, isolation, and manipulation and take the first steps toward safety and healing.

Deborah Gillard
Oct 27, 2025


Window of Tolerance in Polyamory: How to Stay Regulated When Everything Feels Like Too Much
Explore how the trauma-informed concept of the window of tolerance can help navigate emotional dysregulation in polyamory and ethical non-monogamy. Learn somatic, reflective, and relational tools to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and grow your capacity for expansive, compassionate love.

Deborah Gillard
Oct 6, 2025


Polyamory & Boundaries: How ENM Can Foster Growth
Polyamory thrives on clear communication and boundaries. Discover how ethical non-monogamy (ENM) encourages personal growth, emotional literacy and trust through helpful boundary-setting. Learn Nedra Tawwab’s definition of boundaries, why they matter in all relationships, and practical tips to help you create connection, safety and freedom - whether you’re polyamorous, monogamous or simply curious.

Deborah Gillard
Sep 23, 2025
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