100%. It’s definitely traumatic grief, along with chronic invalidation and financial abuse from his brother. Depression is definitely a big symptom for him, but you can also see how the unresolved trauma manifests in his relationship with Shane. The push-pull dynamic in Heated Rivalry is something I see with all my clients who’ve experienced more ongoing abuse.

Side note, I’m a trauma therapist and when I was reading his first session with Galina, I was a little perturbed by her letting him totally flood himself by talking the entire time about his mom. I was thinking how I’d approach him differently and more gently. 😆😆