10 Ways Trauma Can Effect a Relationship

Past traumatic experiences can greatly impact the way you behave and respond in a relationship. Traumatic experiences can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which impairs your sense of safety and security in relationships. This lack of safety can make you feel triggered by interpersonal conflict and result in avoidance of communication. Read below to learn more about how traumatic experiences can effect your relationship and how therapy can help.

1. Difficulty accepting constructive criticism or feedback: Individuals with a trauma history tend to have low self-worth and feelings of shame, making them highly sensitive to feedback from their partner.

2. Pulling away or being overly needy: Trauma can lead to an insecure attachment and a fear of abandonment. Many people respond to this insecurity by either avoiding or clinging to their partner.

3. Disconnected or numb during physical intimacy: Many trauma survivors find it difficult to be vulnerable, causing them to shut down or appear disconnected during sexual intimacy.

4. Difficulty feeling or expressing emotions: Trauma survivors struggle to identify and connect to their feelings, which can cause strained communication.

5. Poor conflict resolution skills: Many trauma survivors avoid conflict or become overly reactive during arguments with their partners.

6. Difficulty trusting: Trauma survivors tend to be guarded and fearful of re-victimization, which creates trust issues in their relationship.

7. Choosing unhealthy partners: Trauma survivors tend to engage in a pattern of unhealthy relationships and may choose partners that resemble their past abuser.

8. Becoming overly dependent on partner: Some trauma survivors lack a self-identity and create a sense of safety by focusing on the needs of their partner.

9. Confusion about the reality of the relationship: Many trauma survivors are confused and unsure if abuse really took place. This causes self-doubt and increased anxiety in relationships.

10. Negative expectations of the relationship: Traumatic experiences can cause a negative view of the self, the world, and others, leading to negative assumptions about one’s partner.

How Trauma Therapy Helps

A therapist can help you understand how past trauma is showing up in your present relationships. Through therapy you can:

• Develop healthier coping skills
• Learn to communicate your needs and emotions
• Understand your attachment style
• Strengthen self-worth
• Learn to work through conflict with your partner
• Feel safer and more secure in relationships
• Choose healthier partners

Get Started with a Trauma Therapist in Tennessee & Georgia

I specialize in treating survivors of PTSD and Complex/Developmental Trauma. Contact me to get started with Trauma Therapy.

Online Locations: Nashville, Tennessee – Brentwood, Tennessee – Atlanta, Georgia – Sandy Springs, Georgia – Greater Tennessee and Georgia Area

Mailing Addresses: 1604 Westgate Circle, Brentwood TN. 37027 – 5887 Glenridge Dr. Sandy Springs, GA. 30328