The Lyceum

Trauma and Relationships: Assessment Led Guidance

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Trauma can affect relationships. Some people describe difficulty trusting others, feeling on alert in close relationships, withdrawing from people they care about, or noticing that certain interactions feel unexpectedly threatening. Others describe a pattern of seeking closeness intensely and then finding it overwhelming. A guide cannot diagnose a trauma related condition or determine whether a relational pattern is clinically significant. Relational patterns can be shaped by many factors, including early experiences, attachment history, current relationships, physical health, sleep, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence and current circumstances. A guide cannot determine which factors are relevant for an individual or what support is appropriate. Physical symptoms that arise in relational situations, such as a racing heart, breathlessness, dizziness or a sense of unreality, can have medical as well as anxiety related explanations. New, severe or changing physical symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional rather than automatically attributed to trauma. CBT may be considered after individual assessment where trauma is affecting relationships and daily life. Trauma focused or exposure based work should be planned with a suitably qualified clinician after discussion of the rationale, alternatives, safety and pacing. A guide is not a self directed programme for relational or exposure work. For related information, see trauma focused CBT at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/trauma/, the trauma and PTSD guide at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/trauma ptsd comprehensive guide/, trauma and the body at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/trauma body response/ and trauma at work at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/trauma work relationships/. If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.

Frequently asked questions

Can a guide diagnose a trauma related condition?

No. A guide can describe general patterns. An individual assessment can consider your specific experience, health, safety and context.

Can physical symptoms in relational situations be assumed to be trauma related?

No. New, severe or changing physical symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional rather than automatically attributed to trauma.

Can CBT help with trauma and relationships?

CBT may be considered after individual assessment. Whether it is appropriate, and what it would involve, depends on the person's assessment, health, safety and goals.

When should I seek urgent support?

If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.

Related pages

  • Trauma focused CBT
  • Trauma and PTSD clinical guide
  • Trauma focused CBT evidence
  • How trauma focused CBT works
  • Book a free 15 minute consultation
  • Trauma and PTSD Subtypes: Assessment Led Guidance
  • Trauma Recovery: What the Evidence Says About Getting Better
  • Trauma and PTSD in West London: Assessment Led Guidance
  • Trauma at Work and in Relationships: Impact, Rights, and Recovery
  • Explore all clinical guides

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Written by Sanah Younis, BABCP accredited CBT Therapist at The Lyceum Clinic.

Last clinically reviewed: 14 August 2026

Clinical information on this page is general and does not replace personalised assessment. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E.

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