Hello there! Today, we’ll be discussing Relational Trauma, its impact, and what navigating through this kind of trauma may look like. It's important to remember that the information provided here should not be taken as medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Everyone's journey through stress or trauma is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Experiencing abuse in any form is never okay, and your experiences and feelings are completely valid. Healing is a personal process, and only you can define what that looks like for you. Remember to prioritize your own needs and well-being. If you need more resources or someone to talk to, please reach out to Imaara Foundation.
Written By: Dr. Swetha Talluri
What is Relational Trauma?
Relational trauma encompasses the adverse effects of abuse, neglect, maltreatment, or abandonment within close relationships. It can significantly impact an individual's self-esteem, self-image, and ability to cultivate meaningful and lasting connections with others. These repercussions manifest in various forms, such as difficulties in establishing trust, fear of intimacy, emotional dysregulation, and heightened sensitivity to perceived relationship threats. This type of trauma is often prevalent during childhood, where a child's sense of safety and love within the family is frequently disrupted (Newport Academy, 2022).
What are the types of relational trauma?
What are the common symptoms and impacts of relational trauma among adults and children?
What can recovery and healing from relational trauma look like?
Relational trauma poses a significant public health hazard with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Recognizing the prevalence and complexity of relationship trauma, supporting trauma-informed treatment, and establishing supportive environments can aid survivors in their recovery and flourishing. Understanding and addressing relationship trauma are crucial steps towards achieving individuals' recovery and well-being. Moreover, individuals can begin to reclaim their sense of self and trust in relationships through accessing treatment, support, and creating safe environments.
Want the references for this article?
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BrightQuest Treatment Centers. (n.d.). Relational trauma. BrightQuest Treatment Centers. https://www.brightquest.com/relational-trauma/
Mellisa Gooden, L. (2021, December 6). Signs of trauma in children: What you need to know. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/ptsd/signs-of-trauma-in-children
Newport Academy Staff. (2022, October 6). How relational trauma impacts teen mental health, social connections, and self-esteem. Newport Academy. https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/relational-trauma/
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Singh, C. D., Andrews, N. C. Z., Motz, M., Pepler, D. J., Leslie, M., & Zuberi, S. (2020). Trauma-informed and relational approaches to service provision: Building community-based project capacity to respond to interpersonal violence through a national initiative. BMC Public Health. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09960-3
Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). The common effects of complex relational trauma. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-ptsd/202206/the-common-effects-complex-relational-trauma
What is relational trauma? Pacific Teen Treatment. (2021, October 13). Pacific Teen Treatment. https://pacificteentreatment.com/mental-health/what-is-relational-trauma/
Porrey, N. LPC. (2022, January 26). Healing after relational trauma. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/facts-and-healing-steps-after-relational-trauma-5212446#:~:text=Children%20coping%20with%20relational%20trauma%20often%20experience%20a,bedwetting%20long%20after%20they%20have%20mastered%20toilet%20training.
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