PTSD & Attachment Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Attachment trauma refers to disruptions in the bond between a child and their caregiver, which can lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life.

PTSD & Attachment Trauma Treatment in Tennessee

PTSD and attachment trauma can significantly impact an individual's emotional well-being and relationships. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, and challenges in forming close relationships.

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Signs & Symptoms of PTSD

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares related to the trauma
  • Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma
  • Avoidance of places, people, or activities that remind one of the traumatic event
  • Negative changes in mood and cognition, including feelings of guilt or shame
  • Heightened arousal symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, irritability, or being easily startled

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Signs & Symptoms of Attachment Trauma

  • Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships
  • Fear of abandonment or rejection
  • Low self-esteem and self-worth
  • Difficulty trusting others, leading to isolation
  • Emotional dysregulation and mood swings
  • Patterns of anxiety or depression

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Comparing PTSD to Attachment Trauma

While both PTSD and attachment trauma can arise from adverse experiences, they differ in origin and impact. PTSD typically stems from a specific traumatic event, leading to distressing symptoms associated with that event. In contrast, attachment trauma results from inconsistent or harmful caregiving during critical developmental periods, affecting emotional regulation and relational dynamics. Individuals with attachment trauma may struggle with trust and intimacy, whereas those with PTSD may experience more acute responses related to their trauma.

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Help is a Phone Call Away

Many misconceptions surround trauma and its effects, but if you suspect a loved one is struggling, seeking treatment promptly is crucial. Our residential care center offers personalized support tailored to each client’s specific needs, providing the tools necessary for lasting recovery.

Benefits of Individual Therapy for Eating Disorders

Individual therapy at Haven of Hope is an integral part of the eating disorder recovery process, offering numerous benefits to help clients manage and overcome disordered eating patterns. Each client receives personalized care, ensuring they have the tools to achieve lasting recovery. Our individualized therapy program instills real hope by teaching and strengthening essential skills, such as:

Developing healthier coping mechanisms
Building self-esteem and body acceptance
Challenging and reframing negative thought patterns
Addressing underlying trauma and emotional triggers
Creating sustainable, balanced nutrition habits

What Causes Eating Disorders in Young Women?

Eating disorders are complex and typically result from a combination of various factors. Here are some common causes:

Genetics & Family History

A predisposition to eating disorders can be inherited and run in families.

Psychological Factors

Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and impulsive behaviors may contribute to disordered eating.

Environmental Factors

Social and cultural pressures, including media portrayals of unrealistic body standards, can trigger eating disorders.

Trauma

Past emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, as well as attachment trauma, often play a role.

Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health issues frequently co-occur with eating disorders.

Peer Pressure

Social influences, such as pressure to fit in or meet certain body ideals, can intensify disordered eating.

Substance Use

Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate or lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.

Dieting & Body Image Issues

Persistent dieting or body dissatisfaction can lead to restrictive or disordered eating patterns.

We’re Here to Help

At our Tennessee residential program for adult women and female-identifying individuals, you’ll experience the warm, nurturing environment we've designed to support healing from disordered eating and co-occurring trauma & attachment disorder. We recognize the complexities of eating disorders and use an integrated, evidence-based approach to help you or your loved one recover. Individual therapy is a key part of our program, fostering trust, honesty, and a judgment-free space for healing. Our Cordova-based program is dedicated to helping clients heal, grow, and thrive.

Call us today at 570-718-8800 to learn more about our treatment program for adult women.

Get Adolescent Eating Disorder Help Today

If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with disordered eating, please reach out to our team for a confidential discussion or assessment.

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