Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cast a long shadow over various aspects of one’s life, including the intricate dynamics of personal relationships. For those seeking solace in online therapy, understanding the profound impact of PTSD on trust and deception within relationships becomes crucial. Navigating these challenges requires a nuanced perspective, delving into the ways PTSD can influence behaviors and communication patterns.
The Silent Echo of Trauma: Foundations of PTSD in Relationships
PTSD often originates from exposure to traumatic events, leaving an indelible mark on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. The residual effects of trauma can manifest in hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and emotional numbness, disrupting the delicate fabric of relationships. According to the Mental Health Foundation, when you experience a traumatic event, your body’s defenses take effect and create a stress response, which may make you feel a variety of physical symptoms, behave differently and experience more intense emotions.
To cope with the overwhelming emotions associated with PTSD, individuals may resort to deception as a defense mechanism. Dr. Joanna Cheek states that blaming ourselves feels more empowering than acknowledging that the people we depend on for survival and belonging are unsafe. Deception becomes a survival strategy, a way to protect oneself from the perceived judgment or rejection of others. Online therapy, grounded in empathetic understanding, can provide a safe space for individuals to gradually dismantle the walls built on deception.
Trust, the bedrock of any relationship, becomes a casualty in the aftermath of trauma. Those grappling with PTSD may find it challenging to trust others, haunted by the fear of vulnerability and the potential for retraumatization. According to Phi Atratus of Do Mental, someone might have limiting beliefs about trusting people due to past negative experiences and need someone to get to the root of the problem with. Online therapy, with its discreet and supportive environment, offers a platform for rebuilding trust at a pace that aligns with the survivor’s comfort.
The Dance of Disclosure: Balancing Vulnerability and Safety
Revealing the depths of one’s trauma can be a delicate dance in the realm of relationships. For those with PTSD, the fear of being misunderstood or rejected intensifies the struggle. According to Lori Lawrenz, developing a secure bond with your partner may allow both of you to share your true selves with confidence and safety. Emotional security is the bedrock of a stable, healthy relationship. It contributes to true intimacy and trust. Emotional security is about feeling confident navigating the world, including your relationships.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles, developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, offer valuable insights into managing the emotional dysregulation often associated with PTSD. By incorporating DBT-informed strategies into online therapy, individuals can learn to navigate the intricate landscape of their emotions. According to mental health advocate Pete Walker, “The key to recovering from PTSD is learning to calmly and safely allow our emotions to flow through us without suppressing or getting overwhelmed by them.” Online therapy, grounded in these principles, becomes a roadmap for emotional regulation and resilience.
Dr. Dan Siegel, a leading expert in interpersonal neurobiology, emphasizes the role of secure attachment in healing from trauma. PTSD can disrupt one’s ability to form and maintain secure attachments, hindering the development of healthy relationships. According to Ashley Mead with My Therapy NYC, secure attachment can help mitigate the long-term impacts of trauma, as those who are securely attached tend to experience the best long-term outcomes from trauma.
For individuals living with PTSD, regaining a sense of control over their lives is a crucial aspect of the healing journey. According to trauma therapist Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, “Trauma creates a compelling need to regain control, often manifesting in the need to micromanage or avoid life’s uncertainties.” Online therapy provides a structured yet flexible platform for individuals to reclaim control, offering coping strategies and support tailored to their unique needs.
In the intricate tapestry of relationships affected by PTSD, online therapy emerges as a transformative tool. As individuals starts on their healing journey, the wisdom shared by experts in the field becomes a guiding light. According to these voices, understanding the interplay between PTSD, deception, and trust lays the foundation for meaningful healing and connection. Through online therapy, individuals can navigate the complexities of their experiences, forging a path towards resilience, empowerment, and the restoration of trust in the realm of relationships.
About the Author
Dr. Rahmany began her academic journey at San Francisco State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She furthered her studies at the California School of Professional Psychology, obtaining a master’s and a doctorate in clinical forensic psychology. She started her career at the California Department of Corrections and then joined Cyti Psychological and became the National Clinical Director. Her diverse experiences have reinforced her commitment to psychology and its impact on communities
