Ep 52: Bonded by Trauma: Exploring the Parallels of Trauma Bonds and Cults

If you have struggled to move on from your abusive partner and feel a draw to return or if you are a support person who is frustrated and confused as to why someone would continue to return to an abusive relationship, this episode will shed some light on the topic.A trauma bond is a powerful aspect of many abusive relationships and is often overlooked, misunderstood, and minimized.  Its effects are long-lasting and devastating for the victim and have many similarities to someone who has experienced life in a cult.A trauma bond is characterized by:An intense emotional connection with a false sense of attachmentAnd extreme power imbalance which leads to the victim becoming emotionally dependent on the abuserIsolationIs done through a process of intermittent reinforcement and a cycle of idealization and devaluationAnd results in:A complete loss of self identitySignificant amount of guilt and shameCognitive dissonanceMoral InjuryPTSDExtreme difficulty in letting go of the relationshipThese characteristics are extremely similar to how a cult works to obtain and maintain its members.  The healing process when there has been a trauma bond is also similar to healing from a cult experience.  These include:Redefining your values and belief systemDeconstructing the indoctrination that you were conditioned withFinding a support system that understands what you have been throughSelf-compassion and self-forgivenessEstablishing boundariesReclaiming autonomy by increasing your knowledge and making and standing by your choicesGetting professional help to process your traumaPlease leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpcIf you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.htmlIf you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7Where to find more from Rising Beyond:Rising Beyond FacebookRising Beyond LinkedInRising Beyond Pinterest