Trauma & Relationships: When Intimacy Feels Unsafe (HS - FISHER - 052380)

Course overview

"J" and "S" are a couple in their 40s. In their two years together, health problems have undermined S's functioning, increasing pressure on J. to be the breadwinner and caregiver. In this session, the couple is asked to mindfully notice their interaction: he speaks glowingly of his hopes for their future; she pulls away; he feels crushed and withdraws. Both feel alone and unhappy. In this session, they are asked to attend to their physical and emotional responses to each other without attributing blame. When they can stay connected to their bodies and focused on describing their own experience, the emotional walls come down, and they feel closer to one another.