Are You Receiving Words of Affirmation or Being Lovebombed?
How complex trauma can affect your perception of healthy connection vs. narcissistic intention.
As a psychologist who specializes in working with trauma survivors and supporting their growth and empowerment, as well as having experienced my own chronic trauma, this article is very close to me. I know firsthand the aftermath in feeling unseen, unheard, mistreated, misunderstood, and invalidated. I know the pain that can be carried with us as a result of these traumatic experiences. And, I also relate to the core wounds that surface from adverse experiences, including the increased risk of developing complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or cPTSD. My goal of this article is to help empower you.
Many — if not most — who live with the effects of chronic relational trauma can become relationship avoidant. It is not uncommon to hear a client express that because of how profound their abusive and traumatic experiences were early in their life, that they now keep all relationships at arms-distance. Granted, most with cPTSD can spend much of their adult lives focusing on re-establishing a sense of safety in their environment. Because of these core wounds, becoming emotionally vulnerable and getting close to others is often seen as unsafe and threatening to their…
