When I talk about relationship trauma, I use the term relatively broadly, and often refer to the experiences that my clients define as such, in my practice at Earls Court, Kensington. I mean any experience or experiences within a relationship which has a disruptive impact on our minds, our mental health, and our trust in the safety of relationships.
In romantic relationships, this could be psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Infidelity Relationship trauma also occurs early in life, between a child and their primary caregivers. Although such trauma may occur due to abuse, there is also the ‘invisible trauma’ of neglect. This is difficult to diagnose in adults as it refers not to what happened, but what did not happen.
Supportive relationships can play an important part in recovery, while a loss of trust can make closeness difficult. Individual therapy offers a place to explore this tension at a manageable pace. We consider the effects of earlier experiences without assuming that everyone needs the same treatment.
I offer individual therapy for adults in Kensington and online. You can book a free 15-minute introductory call to discuss whether working together might be helpful.
Photo by Tim Marshall