Financial Trauma
Financial trauma denotes the emotional, cognitive, relational, and bodily manifestations elicited by substantial financial hardship. These stresses may encompass poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, abuse, and unemployment. Consequently, individuals may encounter heightened states of anxiety concerning finances, security, and safety, with many experiencing panic. Financial trauma signifies distress linked to prolonged monetary pressures, resource scarcity, or financial abuse. These issues may overwhelm the capacity to manage stress, resulting in many individuals remaining in a condition of intensified anxiety, fear, or anger. Although financial trauma is not a formal clinical diagnosis, unaddressed symptoms may evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Therapy approach
- Stabilising the nervous system so decisions feel more tolerable.
- Processing your story with care, at your pace, with informed consent.
- Building practical boundaries and recovery steps that reduce re‑exposure to harm.
- Shifting from survival strategies to sustainable choices.
Session formats
- Telehealth or in‑person sessions.
- Structured support for both emotions and practical decision-making.
FAQs
Is financial trauma real?
Yes it is, people can experience trauma around money after coercion, instability, or repeated stress. Therapy focuses on how financial trauma affects your life and how to rebuild safety and choice.
Why do I panic when I have to deal with money tasks?
When the body associates money with threat, even small tasks can trigger big reactions.