Trauma and Couple Counselling

Historic trauma can be a powerful underlying issue in the dynamics of the couple relationship.   
 

As a trauma and psychodynamically trained therapist picking up the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) is essential as these are early traumatic experience and can lead to complex trauma or CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.) 

This trauma can result in trauma bonding, an insecure attachment style. 

With the Couple this insecurity surfaces with the Sympathetic ANS response, and triggers flight,  fight or fawn. 

In Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, the emotions presenting can be analysed, and understood in the context of attachment style. This then enables the Couple to communicate more effectively with boosted empathy, bringing healing. 

In a Christian context this is about developing empathy through listening and putting one another first.  
 

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4. 

Bible Quotations from the NIV.
Copyright Susie Scott Kydd 2026