Treating Relational Trauma

What Is Relational Trauma?

Relational trauma, a deeply impactful form of psychological injury, occurs when trust and safety are repeatedly violated within significant relationships, often beginning in childhood. This type of trauma can leave lasting scars on an individual’s emotional and mental well-being, shaping their ability to form and maintain healthy adult relationships. Unlike other forms of trauma, relational trauma is insidious, as it stems from the very connections meant to provide security and love. The person who is causing the harm or abuse is someone whom the victim knows and may have trusted at some point in the past. Because of this, relational trauma can be particularly challenging to recover from, as it can lead to feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and shame.

It can involve any experience that causes emotional, physical, or psychological harm, and it can leave lasting scars that affect a person’s life for years to come. It can occur in a variety of relationships, including family, romantic, and professional relationships, and can result from a range of experiences, including abuse, neglect, abandonment, or betrayal.

The impact of relational trauma can be far-reaching, affecting a person’s ability to trust others, form healthy relationships, and feel safe and secure in their own skin. However, with the right support and treatment, it is possible to heal from relational trauma and move forward in life. Understanding and addressing relational trauma is crucial, as it can pave the way for healing, resilience, and the development of healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

There are several types of relational trauma we can help with at Neurish, our mental health treatment center, each with its own unique characteristics:

  • Interpersonal trauma: This type of trauma occurs when a person experiences harm or abuse from another person, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Interpersonal trauma can be particularly challenging to recover from, as it can involve a range of complex emotions and dynamics, including power imbalances, manipulation, and control.
  • Attachment trauma: Attachment trauma can occur when a person experiences a disruption in their early attachment relationships, such as when a parent is absent, neglectful, or abusive. Attachment trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships throughout their life.
  • Betrayal trauma: Betrayal trauma occurs when a person experiences harm or betrayal from someone they trust, such as a friend, family member, or romantic partner. Betrayal trauma can be particularly challenging to recover from, as it can involve a range of complex emotions, including grief, anger, and a sense of loss.
  • Complex trauma: Complex trauma is a type of relational trauma that occurs when a person experiences multiple or prolonged traumas over an extended period of time, such as in cases of ongoing abuse or neglect. Complex trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and can lead to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Causes of Relational Trauma

Relational trauma can be caused by a wide range of experiences. The most common causes we’ve found at our Orange County mental health facility include:

  • Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse: Any type of harm or abuse that occurs within the context of a relationship can cause relational trauma. Physical abuse can involve hitting, punching, or other forms of physical violence, while sexual abuse can involve unwanted sexual contact or assault. Emotional abuse can involve verbal or psychological manipulation, such as gaslighting or belittling.
  • Neglect: Neglect occurs when a person’s basic needs are not met, such as in cases of parental neglect or institutional neglect. Neglect can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, and can lead to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
  • Abandonment: Abandonment occurs when a person is left alone or without support, such as in cases of parental abandonment or social rejection. Abandonment can have a profound impact on a person’s sense of self-worth and can lead to feelings of abandonment, anxiety, and depression.
  • Betrayal: Betrayal trauma can occur when a person is harmed or betrayed by someone they trust, such as in cases of infidelity or dishonesty. Betrayal can lead to a range of complex emotions, including anger, confusion, and a sense of loss.
  • Separation or loss: Separation or loss can occur when a person is separated from a loved one, such as in cases of divorce, death, or relocation. Separation or loss can be particularly challenging to recover from, as it can involve a range of complex emotions, including grief, sadness, and a sense of loss.
  • Chronic invalidation: Chronic invalidation occurs when a person’s feelings or experiences are routinely dismissed or invalidated, such as in cases of emotional neglect or abuse. Chronic invalidation can have a profound impact on a person’s sense of self-worth and can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
  • Social rejection: Social rejection occurs when a person is excluded or marginalized by others, such as in cases of bullying or discrimination. Social rejection can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being and can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

Symptoms of Relational Trauma

Symptoms of relational trauma can vary depending on the individual and the type of trauma experienced. Some common symptoms of relational trauma we treat at our California mental health facilities include:

  • Anxiety: Feelings of nervousness, unease, or worry that can be triggered by reminders of the trauma. Anxiety can be particularly challenging to manage, as it can interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
  • Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that can interfere with a person’s ability to enjoy life or engage in activities they once enjoyed.
  • Dissociation: A sense of detachment or disconnection from one’s thoughts, feelings, or surroundings. Dissociation can be particularly challenging to manage, as it can interfere with a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.
  • Difficulty with trust: Difficulty forming or maintaining trusting relationships with others. This can be particularly challenging for individuals who have experienced relational trauma, as it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Relationship difficulties: Problems with communication, intimacy, or emotional regulation in relationships. This can be particularly challenging for individuals who have experienced relational trauma, as it can interfere with their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.
  • Low self-esteem: Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or self-blame that can interfere with a person’s ability to feel confident or capable in their daily life.
  • Shame and guilt: Feelings of shame or guilt related to the trauma. Shame and guilt can be particularly challenging to manage, as they can lead to feelings of isolation and self-blame.

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Treatments for Relational Trauma at Our Mental Health Facilities in California

There are several treatments available for relational trauma, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders.
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A type of therapy that involves guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. EMDR can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with PTSD or other trauma-related disorders.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A type of therapy that focuses on developing coping strategies for intense emotions and interpersonal difficulties. DBT can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with emotional dysregulation or relationship difficulties.
  • Psychodynamic therapy: A type of therapy that explores unconscious thoughts and feelings related to the trauma. Psychodynamic therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with unresolved emotional conflicts related to their trauma.
  • Group therapy: A type of therapy that involves working with a group of people who have experienced similar traumas. Group therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with feelings of isolation or loneliness.
  • Medication: Certain medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, may be helpful in managing symptoms of relational trauma. However, medication should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as therapy or counseling.

Get Help for Relational Trauma at Our Luxury Mental Health Facility

If you are experiencing symptoms of relational trauma, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. At Neurish, our therapists and counselors can help you develop coping strategies and provide treatment to help you heal from your trauma. Remember, healing from relational trauma is a process, and it may take time to see progress. However, with the right support, it is possible to move forward and regain a sense of safety and security in your relationships. Reach out to our admissions team today for a safe haven, and a clear path to recovery.

Cole Dyar, Executive Director

Clinically Reviewed by Cole Dyar, MS, LAADC, PhD Candidate
Executive Director of Neurish Wellness

Cole holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as recognized by CCAPP. Cole holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, including Organizational Leadership and Design, and a Post-Masters in General Marriage and Family Therapy.

FAQs About Relational Trauma

What is relational trauma?

Relational trauma occurs when an individual experiences repeated trauma within the context of a significant relationship, often in childhood. This type of trauma can have long-lasting effects on one’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships in adulthood.

What are the signs of having experienced relational trauma?

Signs of having experienced relational trauma can include difficulty trusting others, fear of intimacy, repeated patterns of unhealthy relationships, and emotional dysregulation. These symptoms can manifest in both personal and professional relationships.

How does relational trauma affect adult relationships?

Relational trauma can profoundly impact adult relationships by creating barriers to trust and intimacy. Individuals may struggle with forming close connections, have heightened fears of abandonment, or engage in unhealthy relationship patterns as a result of their past trauma.

What role do mental health professionals play in treating relational trauma?

Mental health professionals provide crucial support in treating relational trauma. They can help individuals understand their trauma, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing through various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy.

Can relational trauma lead to other mental health issues?

Yes, relational trauma can lead to other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and personality disorders. Addressing relational trauma is essential for preventing and treating these related conditions.

How can childhood trauma affect adult relationships?

Childhood trauma can significantly impact adult relationships by influencing how individuals perceive and interact with others. Those who experienced trauma as children may have difficulty trusting others, fear vulnerability, or struggle with maintaining stable and healthy relationships.

What is adult relational trauma?

Adult relational trauma refers to trauma experienced within adult relationships, such as ongoing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. This type of trauma can have severe and lasting effects on an individual’s mental health and ability to maintain healthy relationships.

How is relational trauma related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Relational trauma can contribute to the development of PTSD. Individuals who experience repeated trauma within relationships may exhibit symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness, which require specialized treatment to address.

What are the long-term effects of experiencing relational trauma?

The long-term effects of experiencing relational trauma can include chronic mental health conditions, difficulties in forming healthy relationships, low self-esteem, and emotional instability. These effects can persist into adulthood if not properly addressed.

Can relational trauma result from sexual abuse?

Yes, sexual abuse is a form of relational trauma that can have profound and lasting effects on an individual’s mental health and relationships. It often requires specialized therapeutic interventions to address the complex trauma and its impact.

What are some strategies for building healthy relationships after relational trauma?

Building healthy relationships after relational trauma involves developing trust, establishing boundaries, and engaging in open communication. Seeking support from mental health professionals can also be beneficial in learning new relationship skills and healing from past trauma.

How can mental health professionals help with ongoing trauma?

Mental health professionals can provide continuous support and treatment for individuals experiencing ongoing trauma. They can offer therapeutic interventions, coping strategies, and a safe space to process and heal from the trauma.

Why is it important to address relational trauma?

Addressing relational trauma is important because it can prevent the development of further mental health issues and improve one’s overall well-being. Healing from relational trauma allows individuals to build healthier relationships and lead more fulfilling lives.

Sources:

Center for Mindful Psychotherapy. Relational Trauma.

The Wellness Society. What is Relational Trauma?

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