Relational trauma, also known as attachment trauma or complex trauma, refers to the experience of severe and chronic interpersonal trauma during key developmental stages, particularly in early childhood. It occurs when the child's attachment figures or caregivers are consistently unavailable, neglectful, abusive, or inconsistent in meeting their needs for safety, support, and nurturance.

Relational trauma can have a profound impact on a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It can disrupt the development of secure attachment patterns, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships throughout life. Individuals who have experienced relational trauma may struggle with trust, self-worth, emotional regulation, intimacy, and maintaining boundaries. They may also exhibit symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and disorganized attachment patterns.

Eating disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and distorted attitudes towards food, weight, and body shape. They often involve intense preoccupations with food and body image, and can have severe physical and emotional consequences.

Amy utilizes a Health At Every Size (HAES) as well as harm reductive approaches in the treatment of eating disorders. Health At Every Size (HAES) is a movement and approach to health that promotes the idea that health and well-being can be achieved at any size, and that body weight or size does not determine an individual's health or worth. It emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy behaviors and attitudes towards one's body, rather than pursuing weight loss or conforming to societal beauty standards.

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD can occur after a single traumatic event or a series of traumatic experiences.

The symptoms of PTSD may include:

Intrusive memories: This includes recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, nightmares, or intense psychological distress when exposed to reminders of the event.

Avoidance: Individuals with PTSD may avoid places, people, activities, or conversations that remind them of the traumatic event. They may also avoid thinking or talking about it.

Negative changes in thinking and mood: This category includes negative thoughts or beliefs about oneself, others, or the world; distorted blame towards oneself or others; persistent negative emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame; diminished interest in activities; feeling detached or estranged from others; and difficulty experiencing positive emotions.

Hyperarousal and reactivity: This involves being on high alert, feeling irritable, having difficulty sleeping, experiencing concentration problems, having an exaggerated startle response, and engaging in reckless or self-destructive behavior.

Substance use disorders are complex conditions influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Treatment for substance use disorders often involves a combination of approaches, including detoxification (if necessary), counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, and, in some cases, medication-assisted treatment. The aim is to help individuals overcome substance dependence, develop coping strategies, address underlying psychological issues, and achieve long-term recovery. Amy practices both abstinence and harm reductive approaches.