A strong response by many was that they heard the trauma of their experience validated. They experience what trauma experts call Little T traumas… what I have previously called emotional abandonment in the context of relationships. To be in a relationship with your perceptions invalidated, compared to others, being intimated that who you are is not good enough, your feelings not listened to, and honesty and respect thrown out the window are just some of the many ways that partners are traumatized. Many quickly said they identified with symptoms characteristic of PTSD and yet felt guilty because, after all, as painful as their situation was, it was only a “relationship problem compared to something horrific such as an act of war.” Partners experience Intrusion: your mind can’t stop thinking about the problem. This can occur in the form of intrusive images, nightmares, or flashbacks; Avoidance: numbing, feeling detached; Arousal: feeling on guard; Easily startled and triggered by situations that remind them of the crisis; Lower functioning: not able to perform at usual level with work, relationships, or other major areas of life.
They identified with the typical symptoms found with those having PTSD:
So while Cara (co-author) and I realize not all partners identify as strongly with the trauma responses as others, to know we have nonetheless brought a validation and a framework for those that do is affirming.
It’s always exciting to have a book released and it will next be professionally showcased when Cara presents at the upcoming SASH (Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health) conference, Sept 19, in San Antonio. This conference is composed of several hundred therapists who are learning about treating the sex addict and the partners. We wrote this book for the partner, but realize that many therapists will be using it as a guide and hands on tool in their work with clients.