Your relationship with your child is deep. It impacts everything they do and feel, even when it doesn’t seem like it. When your relationship is healthy, you teach them how they should be treated and what they should expect from relationships. Sometimes, though, relational trauma can occur. Relational trauma may be more common among children and teens who have been adopted or are otherwise survivors of neglect and/or abuse. This type of trauma can leave deep impacts on children that they often carry with them for the rest of their lives.
At Family First, we employ leading-edge complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and other teen trauma treatment methods. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, our team of mental health professionals is equipped to help your child heal from relational trauma. We understand that each child’s experience is unique, and we tailor our treatment approach to meet their individual needs. Call 888.904.5947 to find support now.
What Is Relational Trauma?
Relational trauma occurs within the context of significant relationships, particularly those with family members. Trauma refers to impactful negative events that threaten a person’s life or health. Relational trauma often occurs over time and often in multiple forms of abuse.1 Children are especially prone to experiencing relational trauma. They may experience it through:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect
Any relationship in which someone holds more influence or control over someone else can lead to relational trauma, which makes the guardian/child relationship especially susceptible. Children rely on their guardians for everything, including their physical and emotional needs. When this relationship is unhealthy or abusive, it can have long-lasting effects on the child’s well-being.
Relational Trauma Can Lead to C-PTSD
Survivors of relational trauma are likely to continue to accept poor treatment in other relationships. They are also more likely to develop C-PTSD. Complex PTSD differs from regular PTSD because it deeply impacts someone’s sense of self and self-worth.
Emotional Dysregulation
Patterns of abuse lead to emotional dysregulation in teens. This means they struggle with controlling their emotions and may have intense reactions to small triggers. They may also have difficulty expressing their emotions appropriately and understanding the emotions of others.
Negative Self-Concept
Relational trauma can result in a negative self-concept, leading to low self-esteem, poor self-worth, and feelings of shame and guilt. Children who experience relational trauma may internalize blame for the abuse or neglect they endured, which can greatly impact their sense of self.
Difficulty Forming Healthy Relationships
When a child’s primary relationship is unhealthy or abusive, it can make forming healthy relationships in the future challenging. These patterns established in childhood can carry over into their relationships as adults, leading to a cycle of unhealthy and toxic dynamics.
These feelings accompany typical PTSD symptoms, like avoidance, being on edge, and reliving traumatic experiences through nightmares, flashbacks, or disturbing memories. Treating C-PTSD caused by relational trauma takes a lot of work and a safe, supportive environment.
Treating Complex PTSD Cause by Relational Trauma
A team of mental health professionals can develop an individualized treatment plan for your teen if they’re living with C-PTSD. They will likely use a combination of therapies that address the relational trauma from different angles.
- Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) – This type of therapy involves identifying negative thoughts and behaviors related to the trauma and replacing them with healthy coping mechanisms.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) – This technique utilizes eye movements to help individuals process traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment.
- NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM) – This therapy focuses on healing attachment and relational trauma by addressing how it impacts the nervous system and regulates emotions.
- Family therapy – Both teens and parents of adopted kids or caregivers of children who have experienced other forms of relational trauma can benefit from family therapy. It can help them better understand their child’s needs and support their healing journey.
Your teen’s treatment plan may also include medication to help manage symptoms like anxiety and depression. The goal of treatment is to provide your child with the tools and support they need to heal from relational trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms for future relationships.
Call Family First to Find Support for Your Teen
Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to providing your child with the best treatment and support they need to thrive. We understand that each child’s journey is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet their specific needs. Call 888.904.5947 today to speak with a member of our team or complete our online form so your teen can start moving forward.
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