Hi all,
This is very prevalent in our current society and needs more attention. This is when someone becomes so heavily attached to a toxic person, that you are willing to lose yourself in order to fix them.
The idea of “trauma bonding” may help to explain a lot if you’ve ever been in a toxic relationship that you can’t (or don’t want to) leave, or if you’ve watched a loved one suffer in one and questioned, “Why don’t they just leave?”
This also doesn’t happen just in adult relationships. Trauma bonding can happen between a parent and child. Trauma bonding can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender identity. Trauma that occurs in the context of human relationships, and at the hands of one person against another can lead to trauma bonding.
A trauma survivor needs to have access to a therapist who understands the complexity of trauma responses and can provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate environment in which the trauma provider can explore their ongoing emotional attachment with their abuser, without shame.
Remember most trauma bonding happens because we already went through trauma in the past. So there is a lot going on, and it can be truly overwhelming to navigate alone. A professional is trained in helping you have clarity of thought and to find your inner resources. They are a willing ear, too, when you just need to rant or cry in ways you never usually let yourself.
Keep in mind that the majority of trauma bonding occurs because we have already experienced trauma. There is a lot going on, and navigating it alone can be incredibly overwhelming. As an accredited & certified integrated trauma coach who is trained to assist you in developing mental clarity and discovering your inner resources. When you simply need to rant or cry in ways you wouldn’t normally allow yourself, I am a willing ear as well.
All my love,
Leanne