How to Support Your Spouse with Childhood Trauma
If you are married to someone who experienced childhood trauma, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to handle these situations. It can be hard to know how best to support your spouse, especially if they don’t feel comfortable discussing their experiences in detail. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can show your spouse that you are there for them and provide emotional support during difficult times.
Acknowledge Their Feelings
When your spouse is struggling with trauma from childhood, it is important to acknowledge their feelings. This may include expressing understanding and sympathy when they share their experiences with you. It is also important not to invalidate their feelings; instead, validate what they are going through by listening attentively and asking questions about how they feel. This will help them feel seen and heard, which can make a big difference in helping them cope with what happened in the past.
Be Patient with Them
When your spouse is dealing with childhood trauma, it can take time for them to open up and process what happened. It is important to remember that everyone has different coping mechanisms and healing processes; some people may need more time than others before they are ready to talk about their experiences. Showing patience and understanding as your spouse works through these issues at their own pace can go a long way in helping them feel supported during this difficult time.
Create a Safe Space
Creating a safe space for your spouse where they can discuss their experiences without judgement or pressure is essential in helping them heal from childhood trauma. Make sure that they know that it’s okay if they don’t want to talk about certain things; respect their limits and do not push them beyond what makes them comfortable. Additionally, let them know that if they ever need someone to listen or just want to talk about something unrelated, you are always available for support.
Conclusion
Supporting someone who experienced childhood trauma can be difficult but rewarding work —and it’s worth the effort! Showing patience, understanding, and creating a safe space for your spouse goes a long way in helping them heal from traumatic experiences from the past. If you live in Orlando and would like additional support during this process, consider booking an appointment at Orlando Thrive Therapy today! Our team of experienced counselors is here to help couples navigate tough conversations around childhood trauma so that both partners can move forward together in a positive direction. Contact us now!
