Why Love Feels So Hard with CPTSD (And How to Change That)

Does love feel overwhelming, triggering, or just plain scary? If you have Complex PTSD, your nervous system might be treating intimacy like a threat, even when you desperately want connection.

In this episode, I break down why CPTSD makes love feel so complicated, what's actually happening in your nervous system when someone gets close, and the real (messy, non-linear) path to trusting love again. If you're wondering about Complex PTSD and relationship, this episode is for you.

You'll learn:

• What CPTSD actually is and how it's different from PTSD
• Why your body goes into alarm mode when someone shows you genuine love
• How childhood attachment wounds show up in adult relationships
• Practical steps to start rewiring your nervous system for safety in love
• What to do when you get emotionally triggered by your partner
• How to support someone you love who has CPTSD

This episode is for you if:

• You pull away when someone gets too close
• You're constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop in relationships
• You know you deserve love but your body doesn't feel safe receiving it
• You love someone with trauma and want to understand how to help

Whether you're struggling to accept love yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a bit of hope and concrete tools for healing.

Resources mentioned:

Original blog post: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/a-cptsd-therapist-shares-tips-to-accept-love-as-a-complex-ptsd-survivor

PTSD vs CPTSD: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/ptsd-vs-cptsd-trauma-therapy

Free Attachment Guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/attachment-style-guide

Connect with the Reclaim Therapy Team: https://www.reclaimtherapy.org

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Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.