Explore the depths of relational trauma and its impact on individuals with autism and ADHD. Discover how emotional regulation during conflicts can become a transformative healing journey. The conversation highlights the importance of community in the healing process, emphasizing that it's okay to be at different stages in your recovery. Plus, hear about the surprising role animals can play in fostering relational healing. A heartfelt look at personal growth and connections!
Relational trauma stems from power imbalances in relationships, significantly impacting individual development and emotional health over time.
Relational healing emphasizes genuine connections within supportive communities, contrasting individual-centered therapy by fostering collective recovery from trauma.
Deep dives
Understanding Relational Trauma
Relational trauma occurs within power imbalanced relationships, often taking root during childhood but can also manifest in adult interactions. It results from ongoing interaction in dysfunctional dynamics and can lead to profound psychosocial impacts on the individual. Common examples include harmful relationships between caregivers and children or ongoing systemic issues faced in various communities. Understanding how relational trauma differs from more recognized forms of trauma is crucial, particularly for those with sensitive nervous systems who may react differently to overwhelming experiences.
The Importance of Relational Healing
Relational healing centers around the idea that genuine connection can promote overall mental health and personal growth. It emphasizes nurturing relationships rather than merely addressing individual mental health issues in isolation, standing in stark contrast to more traditional therapy models. Effective therapy, it suggests, hinges not only on techniques but on the therapist-client relationship and the sense of safety that it fosters. Individuals can seek relational healing in various settings—including therapy, community spaces, or even informal support networks—allowing for flexibility and personalization in their healing journeys.
Community Healing Models
The community healing model focuses on collective recovery from trauma, contrasting the individual-centered medical model. It acknowledges systemic inequalities and promotes collaborative efforts to address root causes of issues rather than just individual symptom relief. This model fosters an environment where relational trauma can be understood and worked through together, promoting shared healing and support among community members. By recognizing that healing can occur not just through professional guidance but through solidarity and mutual support, individuals can engage more fully in their healing processes.
Navigating Community and Personal Growth
Building community can be particularly challenging for those with neurodiverse experiences, especially when relational trauma is involved. Despite shared identities, forming connections often requires effort and understanding, as social interactions can trigger discomfort. It is essential to navigate these moments with care, understanding that some discomfort can lead to growth while still prioritizing personal safety and boundaries. Embracing patience and recognizing unique needs can create an environment where individuals feel secure enough to engage, fostering authentic connections and supportive relationships.
This is the follow-up episode to deepen ideas in the interview with Danielle Aubin last week on Autistic Therapy.
Especially focused on this idea of relational trauma, and relational healing that addresses it. In my experience, relational healing ends up being woven throughout all other healing. Or, sometimes it's the "boss battle" to put what I've integrated into practice. Because emotional regulation during conflict with someone you care about is a whole new level!
While I didn't use the words "community model of healing" or "relational healing" when I was starting the Like Your Brain community over a year ago, they were certainly on my mind. More on that in the episode as well.
There are so many layers to relational healing. Wherever you're at with it is totally fine! And there are many ways to approach it.
Animals are also a lovely way to experience relational healing. My first cat cured like 60% of my relational trauma <3