How does Trauma Impact Our Relationships? A Trauma Therapist Indianapolis, IN, Explains.

Image of a Couple at the lake. With the support of a trauma therapist in Indianapolis, IN you can work through your past traumas and emerge as a stronger, more resilient couple.

As a therapist in Indianapolis, IN, I have seen firsthand the impact that trauma can have on relationships. Trauma can impact attachment, or emotional bond, between people. Childhood relationships often shape the way we get along with our partners as adults. Past experiences of not having emotional or physical needs met can cause increased anxiety, issues with trust, or difficulty feeling emotionally close to others. Without therapy, trauma survivors may feel lonely and misunderstood.

We can learn more about and make improvements to our attachment to others through therapy. The first step is to understand more about your attachment style. Read more about the four styles below. You can also take a short quiz to learn about your attachment style on The Attachment Project website.

The 4 Attachment Styles

Anxious Attachment 

An anxious attachment style is one of the most common for people who have experienced trauma. You may fear abandonment and a need for frequent reassurance from your partner. Your partner may accuse you of being controlling or feel that they can't give you all that you need. Our therapists help people to build a stronger sense of self-worth and resilience.

Avoidant Attachment

An avoidant attachment is another common type of attachment. You may desire independence and feel hesitant to form close relationships. It may feel uncomfortable to be emotionally or physically intimate with your partner. It is often hard to express emotions, and you may even shut down in response to trauma triggers, often creating conflict. Your partners may feel that you “don’t care” although this is not actually how you feel. Our therapists help people to explore the root causes of avoidance. They also can help people build stronger trust and emotional safety in relationships. 

Disorganized Attachment

A disorganized attachment style includes inconsistent behavior and emotions. This style is a combination of avoidant and anxious attachment styles. You may feel a sense of things being "unreal." You may feel overwhelmed or confused about your role in relationships. It may be hard to cope with and express emotions to your partner. Our therapists help people manage emotions and gain a clear understanding of relationships.

Secure Attachment

A secure attachment style includes a sense of security and trust in relationships. You likely cope with emotions well. You experience strong emotional bonds with others while maintaining your personal independence. You feel comfortable being with and without your partner during your day-to-day life. Our therapists help people develop a secure attachment style.

Image of a couple hugging | This couple is taking the important step of seeking support from a trauma therapist in Indianapolis, IN to rebuild trust and connection after experiencing trauma.

Healing Relationship Patterns in Therapy

You may choose to work on trauma and relationship patterns in individual or couples therapy. EMDR Therapy and attachment-focused therapy are both great options for this type of work, and we offer both specialty approaches at Indiana Counseling & Resilience Center. We provide a safe and supportive space for you to work on your therapy goals.

Image of a couple smiling. Seeking hope and healing with the guidance of a trauma therapist in Indianapolis, IN? By working together and with the support of a professional, you can hope to overcome past traumas and move forward with renewed hope.

A Trauma Therapist Indianapolis, IN Can Help You Build a Strong Foundation for Your Future Together.

At our practice in Indianapolis, we provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for couples seeking trauma therapy. By guiding them through the process, we assist them in finding effective coping strategies to manage their trauma and build a strong foundation for their future together.

  1. Evaluate Your Needs as an Individual and a Couple

  2. Learn more about our practice and our experienced therapists who specialize in trauma therapy.

  3. Begin Your Journey to Healing Together!

Other Services Provided:

Our clients have access to multiple services to ensure they receive the necessary care. We offer a variety of services, including anxiety therapy, comprehensive couples counseling, and trauma therapy, with both online and in-person options available to best fit your needs.

Heather Fosnaugh, LMHC, NCC, EMDR Certified

Heather is an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist and the owner of Indiana Counseling & Resilience Center. She specializes in trauma therapy and has nearly two decades of experience. Heather has a direct and genuinely caring approach. She’s humble and uses humor when appropriate in sessions.

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