When we do not feel safe as children, we adapt to survive, however, we become disconnected with our authentic self. As adults, this affects our relationship with ourselves and with others. We can become connected with our bodies and our emotions as we begin to seek healing and do not have to stay stuck in the effects of relationship trauma of the past. Important to notice signs of disconnection from yourself.
Trauma bonds can be extremely challenging to navigate as this bonding touches our deepest wounds. The intertwining between love and fear that began when we had no defenses to protect ourselves needs time and attention to heal. As we connect the dots and give and receive the attention and care we need: we are beginning the healing process to move into freedom and come out of bondage!
When we are emotionally neglected as children our nervous system does the best it can to go into survival mode in an atttempt to protect us ... Since we are completely dependent and vulnerable and unable to “fight or flee” so we go into“freeze” response where we are numb and emotionally shut down in an attempt to not feel our fear and our pain. When no one hears or listens to our “cry” we lose hope as our emotional needs are not noticed or given attention and we feel like we do not exist..Over time our “little child” part gets more frozen and “stuck” and has difficulty moving forward and begins to internalize the emotional neglect and we as adults then begin to neglect ourselves emotionally and due to lack of hope and feelings of helplessness develop a pattern of procrastination and the root is “childhood emotional neglect”.
When we were the most vulnerable and dependent and “emotionally needy(”as we all have been as children )it can feel like a cry deep in our soul when no one hears or seems to care about us. Our mind, will and emotions are what define our soul. For many of us who have been “ traumatically wounded” in childhood: the message we received was that we will not have our emotional reality nurtured or have anyone who can help us to process our emotions in a” healthy” way. You may be becoming more and more aware and of the consequences that are affecting your self-esteem and your relationships as the“little boy or girl part” got stuck in a pattern of “emotional neediness” that needs to be healed so you can move on with hope and start to. understand what is going on inside of you emotionally physically: and spiritually. You may have stuffed your emotions and are now becoming more aware of the consequences related to your childhood trauma.
The way that we learn to connect with others in our relationships is called “attachment style” .Our parents and caregivers play a crucial role i the style of “attachment'‘ we develop.. When as children those adults who are closest are unable to nurture us and be responsive to our needs then in order to survive we often “shut down” emotionally. An“avoidant attachment style” develops as a survival response to fear,, anxiety and feelings of rejection and abandonment.as there is a lack of a secure connection and trust.
Are you a daughter who has been deeply wounded by your relationship with your father? Are you noticing and feeling the impact of this wound in your relationships and how you learned to feel negatively about yourself? Are you struggling with trusting yourself and others? Do you often feel you are not enough and keep the relationship bar low as that is familiar?
All relationships are triggers. and can give us a wonderful as well as challenging opportunity for growth and change. Change can happen without growth but growth can only take place when we change. Love and connection can be triggers when we have attachment wounds from childhood that need to be addressed so that we can give and receive love as adults
Narcissistic parents are not able to provide a space of safety where you cannot just survive but thrive. In this dysfunctional family system, you were wounded in the deepest places: in your spirit and their soul. Understanding and being able to process and feel the effects of what happened to you as a vulnerable child is an essential part of your healing journey.
In-person therapy has many benefits that online therapy cannot provide. For inner healing to begin, a foundation built on trust is needed.. For trust to be built, you must feel safe, seen, heard, and felt. This does not happen screen to screen but face to face and heart to heart in a connected relationship with yourself and your therapist walking this journey together.
