Trauma can impact your marriage in unseen and potentially devastating ways. Trauma brought on by difficult life experiences such as abuse, violence or bereavement can cause the afflicted spouse to be afraid of forming close bonds and being vulnerable. It can also affect the other spouse vicariously and lead to distancing and distrust in your marriage.

But marriage is also the ideal place to confront and recover from your trauma. Research shows that in the context of a supportive marriage, those suffering from trauma can better learn to regulate the chaotic emotions the trauma has caused, while also learning to open up and view close relationships as safe. Trauma can ultimately help couples grow closer together as the process of sharing your darkest emotional experiences creates a powerful bond between partners.