#184: There's So Much Trauma. I Don't Feel Safe. Now What?

Caller Heather's Question: "My husband and I have been married 22 years together 26. We have a complex relationship, and to be honest, I’m not even sure where to start. I have had intense trauma from my husband since we were dating. In 2014 I discovered a text from a stripper, that story took months to tell and it changed all the time, I discovered some other relationships but again the story is never the same. We both have significant childhood trauma that I know affects us. We both love each other but I’m concerned about my safety, I’m not allowed it because he didn’t do anything wrong. He still defends himself and has an excuse for everything. I don’t trust my gut anymore between the gaslighting and the manipulation I’m a wreck and need help knowing where to start the healing process if my spouse isn’t willing to do anything. Any advice or direction would be so appropriate, I’m not living in my truth and I know a lot of my daily struggles come from feeling stuck and alone." If you're feeling like your relationship isn't as safe and connected as you want it to be, this episode is for you. In This Episode: 1. How being a caretaker in a relationship can impact your decision making 2. Heather shares her feelings of craving love and connection from her husband 3. How to create safety and connection through small acts of courage // SUBMIT A QUESTION + SCHEDULE A CALL // We would love to answer any questions you have about addiction, trauma, recovery, healing, and anything you can think of. Click the link below to submit your question (and if you're open to being a guest on the podcast, you can schedule your call time as well)! We're also curious to know if there are any topics you'd like to hear us discuss on the podcast. https://www.therapybros.com/call-in-and-ask-a-question/ Send mail to: Therapy Brothers, 40 W Cache Valley Blvd Ste 3c, Logan, UT 84341 // Brannon Patrick LCSW | "The Expert" // Website: https://www.brannonpatrick.com Therapy Practice: https://therapyutah.org/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/brannon_patrick Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExpertBrannon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bpatricklcsw // Tyler Patrick LMFT | "The Wandering Therapist" // 15-Minute Free Consultation Call: https://lovestrong.com/consultation-call Therapy Practice: https://lovestrong.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.wandering.therapist Facebook: https://facebook.com/love.strong.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXaR4084r-Z_251xVdoyMFQ // SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL // Newsletter: https://www.therapybros.com/subscribe Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XQUZPJ6QNC22C // COURSES // Boundary Bootcamp: https://www.brannonpatrick.com/Boundarybootcamp Pornography Addiction Recovery Kickstart: https://lovestrong.com/courses/overcome-pornography-addiction/ // EVENTS // Radiant Dawn | Women's Retreat: https://radiantdawn.us/ Rising Son | Men's Retreat: https://risingson.org Vibrant Love | Couple's Retreat: https://vibrantlove.org