Overt and hidden trauma wreaks havoc on relationships.
To endure the overwhelming physical and emotional impact of trauma, survivors naturally and intelligently take on self-protective patterns of relating. These are crucial for survival when they’re first learned, so they become very resistant to change. Later in life these patterns are often no longer need and frequently get in the way. If you have trauma in your background then you may find yourself asking questions like these:
If more than 2 or 3 of these rang true for you, then I can help. When I work with trauma survivors, they often thank me for things like this:
If your partner is a survivor of childhood trauma, you may not know how to support them and still take care of yourself. Here are some of the things partners of trauma survivors have said about working with me. Here are some of the flattering things people have said about working with me: ( 2) what partners say about what they themselves have learned about partnering with their partner. ) “I used to have to hold back from the closeness I wanted because my partner needed so much space. We can get a lot closer now. My partner is more willing and able to be open and vulnerable with me now. We’ve become a lot closer as a result.” |
What is Trauma?
Trauma occurs when events overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope with them. Since children have a more limited capacity than adults, even children who grow up in loving homes may experience some form of trauma. Trauma can include:
Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse is a deep, deep betrayal of trust. This is true at any time of life and especially so when it occurs in childhood. Other events that pose a threat to safety, well-being, and connection can also impact the psychobiology as trauma. Although adaptations to trauma emerge out of a smart move for safety and survival, over time these behavioral strategies can outgrow their usefulness. But because they protected our safety and security, they’re very resistant to change. If you have trauma in your background and you’re experiencing trouble in your relationships, call me. I can help. Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
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