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This is the latest installment of articles on toxic shame. I have been focusing on shame and the role it plays in emotional suffering for several reasons. First, it is a central experience in childhood for many who have suffered traumatic attachment wounds. Whether the shame remains fully conscious or
There are a wide range of issues that can motivate someone to start therapy. Anxiety and depression, struggles with alcohol and/or substances, relationship challenges, and the fallout of infidelity are common examples. Emotional distress, self-sabotaging behaviors, or a pervasive sense of unease often stem from underlying issues that may not
Betrayal trauma is often oversimplified as a singular traumatic experience, yet its true nature is complex and layered. This complexity arises because betrayal trauma doesn’t end when the betrayal ends; instead, it initiates a series of complicated emotional reactions in the betrayed individual that unfold over time. The discovery
A fundamental principle in psychotherapy is the necessity of coping with the emotional discomfort, pain, and traumas that invariably shape our lives. In psychodynamic theory, for example, the concept of psychological defenses plays a fundamental role in understanding how individuals cope with challenging or traumatic experiences. Our defenses are automatic,
Among trauma survivors, there’s a phenomenon that often occurs: they feel compelled to stay silent about the abuse they endured. This silence, while seemingly enigmatic, is multifaceted, and it contains deep emotions, fears, and psychological complexities. In this article, we’ll delve into some underlying reasons why trauma survivors commonly choose