Neurish Relational Trauma
What Is Relational Trauma?
Relational trauma differs from other types of trauma in that it occurs in the context of a relationship. This means that 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.
There are several types of relational trauma we can help with at 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. A therapist or counselor 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.