Working Through Trauma in Couple’s Therapy
Many individuals seek therapy for help navigating trauma, but trauma’s effects are rarely limited to the person who experienced it. Often, symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress create strain in a survivor’s closest relationships. These difficulties can manifest in various ways, such as emotional distance, communication struggles, and physical withdrawal. Understanding how trauma impacts a relationship is essential for both partners to navigate the healing process together.
How Trauma Affects Your Relationship with Your Partner
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress can lead to changes in a survivor’s emotional responses, behavior, and worldview. For example, a partner who has experienced trauma may withdraw from their relationship, struggle with trust, become hypervigilant, or have difficulty regulating emotions.
In response, the partner who has not experienced trauma may feel confused or rejected. They may want to help but not know how, creating a sense of frustration or helplessness. The couple may feel disconnected and unsure of how to find their way back to one another.
Everyone processes trauma differently, and healing is rarely linear. If you are the partner who has not experienced trauma, being patient and offering unconditional support for your loved one can help them feel safe. Showing empathy, being a steady presence, and actively listening to your partner can make a meaningful difference as they work through difficult emotions.
If you are the partner who has survived trauma, communication is essential. If you feel safe to do so, sharing your triggers and lived experiences with your partner has the potential to be connective and healing. You don’t need to carry your burden alone.
Utilizing Couple’s Therapy for Trauma
Couple’s therapy can be an invaluable resource when trauma is present in a relationship. Therapy provides a framework for both partners to discuss their experiences and emotions, allowing the survivor to feel heard and understood while also holding space for the supporting partner.
The couple’s therapist can help both partners understand trauma’s impact on the relationship and facilitate open communication. Couple’s therapy can help both partners better understand one another’s emotional landscapes.
For couples dealing with trauma, the overarching therapeutic goals are to create a foundation of safety, support, and empathy in the relationship. Healing from trauma is a long-term process, and therapy can provide the tools to navigate this challenging journey together.
Trauma doesn’t have to define or end a relationship. Couple’s therapy can help foster a greater sense of connection and resilience, helping you to move out of the pain of the past, live together in the present, and look forward to a bright, shared future.
Start working with a Trauma-Informed Couples’ Therapist in Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
Many people benefit from working with a couple’s therapist to navigate trauma relationally. If you are ready to start your therapy journey, our team of couples therapists is happy to offer support from our Highland Park, CA-based practice. Simply:
Speak with a couple’s therapist.
Navigate your differences with confidence!
Other Services Offered at Therapy on Fig
At Therapy on Fig, we offer therapy services that fit the unique needs of couples and individuals. In addition to couples therapy, we offer Grief and loss therapy in Highland Park, CA, Therapy for Empaths, Trauma Therapy, Teen Therapy, and IFS Therapy. We also address related issues such as anxiety, stress management, and relationship issues. Whether you're seeking support for a specific issue or looking to strengthen your relationship overall, our therapists are here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our services and to begin your journey to a better relationship for you and your partner.
Janelle Malak is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #144798), supervised by Sharon Yu. As someone who became a parent and changed careers in my late 30s, I understand the challenges of giving yourself permission to evolve. My own therapist helped me navigate the emotional landscape of “beginning again” – it is a frightening, overwhelming place to be, especially in midlife. Reach out to learn more about our experienced therapists.