Understanding Interpersonal Trauma and Emotional Abuse for Women in Benicia and Vallejo, CA
What is Attachment Trauma?
Attachment, Interpersonal or Relationship Trauma is harm or abuse caused by other people within relationships or social interactions - both intentionally and unintentionally.
It can occur at any age but often starts during childhood and, many of us experience multiple interpersonal and other types of traumas throughout our lifespan. The more well-known or acknowledged forms of interpersonal trauma are physical and sexual abuse or bullying.
But, people commonly experience trauma from emotional abuse, neglect, betrayal, criticism, rejection, gaslighting, humiliation, racism, abandonment, or if caregivers weren't able to effectively respond to our emotional needs.
Effects of Emotional Abuse and Attachment Trauma
Invisible (non-physical) traumas caused by emotional abuse and psychological abuse are so subtle that many people live their lives unconsciously traumatized yet believing that they have not experienced trauma. This is especially true when the source of the trauma involves trusted loved ones or narcissistic abuse occurs.
This often leads to difficulty with self-trust, shame, guilt, people pleasing tendencies, anxiety, perfectionism, depression, confusion, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, suppression/ avoidance, hypervigilance and repeatedly engaging in abusive or toxic relationships.
Why Interpersonal Trauma Counseling?
I specialize in treating emotional abuse and relationship trauma because of:
-
How common it is - particularly for women
-
How it can significantly affect so many areas of our lives
-
How often it goes overlooked and undetected
Despite all of this, healing and wholeness is still an option
I'm here for you to:
-
Help you recognize how harmful relationships and social interactions harmed or limited you
-
Support you with healing and trusting your relationship with yourself
-
Interrupt repeat toxic relationship patterns and reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-judgment
As a result, you can be empowered to create and engage in relationships with others with more safety and authenticity.