It is OK for you to need help too.
All too often the loved ones and family members of trauma survivors find themselves suffering in silence out of fear of taking space for their own healing or simply not recognizing the trauma they too are experiencing. Bearing witness to a loved one's trauma and/or experiencing the lasting impact of unresolved trauma can be heartbreaking, chaotic and evoke strong feelings of helplessness.
Family members often require a certain type of support that understands the complexities of engaging in your own healing while serving as a crucial resource for a loved one or partner.
We believe that there are many paths to successful healing, and we will work with your specific intentions and desires to ensure you feel supported in reaching your goals for change. Counseling for Friends and Family of Trauma Survivors may involve ones own trauma work as well as psychoeducation around post traumatic symptoms, the impact of trauma on relationships, psychobiological shifts and common responses to traumatic events, the impact of secondary trauma, and the roadmap to post traumatic growth.
Understanding Secondary Trauma
The significant impact of another person's trauma through discussions of traumatic events or direct caregiving is often referred to as secondary trauma, also known as compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, or secondary traumatic stress.
Signs of secondary trauma are similar to those of PTSD and may include:
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Sleep disturbances
- Avoidance behaviors
- Hypervigilance
- Feelings of anger, anxiety, or apathy
- Physical exhaustion
- Increased use of substances (such as alcohol, drugs, or food) to cope with stress
- Judgement or resentment
- Relational impact
Practicing self-compassion and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps towards healing from the impact of secondary trauma.
Loving a Trauma Survivor
When in a relationship with a trauma survivor it is crucial to gain an understanding of trauma's impact on relationships, self-identity, behavior and mood. The impact of trauma can show up in a host of relationship issues often leaving loved ones and partners feeling lost, frustrated and confused. Psychoeducation and supportive processing allows for a safe place for clients to gain skills and understanding on this journey of post traumatic healing.
Often times Trauma Survivors may lean on unhealthy coping skills in order to escape the pain of their experiences. It can sometimes feel hopeless to intervene on our loved one's harmful or destructive behavior following a trauma, and it can be very challenging to take care of ourselves during these times. Understanding the various ways people learn to cope with unresolved trauma and the impact trauma can have on capacities for trust, autonomy, love, connection and attunement can help individuals reclaim a sense of empowerment in their relationships.
Counseling for Friends & Family of Trauma Survivors can support you by giving you a safe space to process your experiences being in relationship with someone struggling with post traumatic symptoms. By supporting you in exploring your own relational patterns, family of origin and relational trauma histories, our therapists can help you create a healthier and more sustainable life. If you are looking for a safe and supportive place to explore your own relationship to your loved one's experience so as to set the path for a healthier, more sustainable and connected future, Counseling for Friends & Family of Addicts may be a good fit for you.
Our clinicians offer virtual Individual Therapy sessions in Colorado, Florida and New York and provide a free 15-minute consultation call prior to scheduling an initial session in order to ensure that we are the right fit for you and your therapeutic goals.
Please reach out today for a free consultation or to schedule your first appointment!