How PTSD Affects Relationships: Insights for Northern Virginia Couples

Trauma & Relationships
Written By Dr. Sheila Vidal

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) not only affects those who experience trauma but profoundly impacts their relationships. Whether arising from military service, childhood adversity, abuse, or other traumatic events, PTSD can create barriers to emotional intimacy and effective communication.

At Next Mission Recovery, I offer trauma-informed online therapy tailored specifically for individuals and couples in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and throughout Northern Virginia. This post explores how PTSD influences relationships and provides strategies for healing and connection.

Two people sitting apart on separate benches facing the ocean, symbolizing emotional distance, trauma-related disconnection, and the healing process through trauma-informed therapy.

Photo by Serkan Göktay via Pexels.

Understanding Relationship PTSD

Though not an official clinical term, "relationship PTSD" effectively describes trauma symptoms affecting intimacy and trust in romantic partnerships. This encompasses both relationship-caused trauma (such as emotional abuse) and PTSD symptoms disrupting current relationships.

Signs of PTSD in Relationships

Recognizing common PTSD symptoms in relationships is essential:

  • Emotional numbness and intimacy avoidance

  • Frequent irritability or anger

  • Hypervigilance and difficulty feeling safe

  • Trust and communication breakdowns

  • Withdrawal or isolation

How PTSD Impacts Intimacy and Communication

Trauma alters the brain’s responses, making it challenging to feel secure in relationships. Common impacts include emotional dysregulation, heightened conflict responses, and difficulties maintaining emotional closeness during interactions.

Attachment and Complex Trauma in Relationships

PTSD frequently intersects with attachment issues, especially among survivors of childhood neglect or inconsistent caregiving. Attachment-related challenges, such as anxious or avoidant attachment patterns, can profoundly affect adult relationships. Explore Avoidant Attachment Therapy in-depth.

Proven Therapeutic Approaches for PTSD and Relationships

Professional, trauma-informed therapy can effectively address PTSD’s relationship impacts. At Next Mission Recovery, therapeutic approaches include:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

    Builds emotional resilience through acceptance and value-driven action.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

    Challenges distorted beliefs and improves trust and intimacy.

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):

    Strengthens emotional bonds and attachment security within couples.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS):

    Integrates and heals parts of the self affected by trauma.

  • Mindfulness Practices:

    Foster emotional regulation and presence within relationships.

Localized Trauma-Informed Therapy in Northern Virginia

Next Mission Recovery provides highly confidential, secure online therapy specifically tailored for federal employees, military families, first responders, and other privacy-conscious individuals in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Springfield, and Falls Church.

Supporting a Partner with PTSD

  • Learn about PTSD symptoms and triggers

  • Communicate consistently and compassionately

  • Encourage professional trauma-informed therapy

  • Respect personal boundaries and encourage self-care

Schedule Your Confidential Consultation

If you live in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax County, or the broader Northern Virginia area and face relationship challenges due to PTSD, contact Next Mission Recovery today for a confidential consultation and begin your healing journey.

Further Reading

  • Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.

  • Johnson, S. M. (2019). Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families. Guilford Press.

  • van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking Press.

  • Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change. Guilford Press.

  • National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Relationships and PTSD — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Visit my Trauma Recovery Resources blog post for helpful apps, hotlines, and grounding tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Relationship PTSD refers to trauma-related symptoms that affect romantic relationships, either originating within or outside the relationship.

  • Yes. PTSD can strain relationships through emotional withdrawal, communication difficulties, and trust issues. Professional therapy can significantly help.

  • Absolutely. Trauma-informed therapy helps couples understand and navigate PTSD’s impacts, enhancing communication and intimacy.

  • Educate yourself, maintain compassionate communication, respect boundaries, and encourage trauma-informed professional support.

Dr. Sheila Vidal

I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal, a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Virginia and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I provide trauma-informed online therapy for adults across Virginia, offering evidence-based care to help individuals navigate the lasting effects of traumatic stress, PTSD, and complex emotional challenges. Although I currently reside in Northern California, I offer virtual psychological services exclusively to residents of Virginia.

I earned my Master of Arts degree in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, where I was honored with the "Best Graduate Paper" award for my thesis on interwar revolution in Vietnam from 1954 to 1959. Driven by a passion for understanding human behavior and resilience, I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC.

During my time in Washington, DC, I completed clinical training at the DC Superior Court, providing psychological assessments to at-risk youth, including Spanish-speaking unaccompanied minors. I completed my postdoctoral training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where I focused on behavioral psychology and supported children and families navigating complex trauma and behavioral health challenges.

As a clinical psychologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, I gained extensive experience providing evidence-based trauma treatment to Military Veterans, Reservists, First Responders, Law Enforcement Personnel, and their Caregivers. My clinical work encompassed a wide range of mental health concerns, including those related to PTSD, Moral Injury, and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

My extensive academic training, international teaching background, and fieldwork abroad have strengthened my cultural competence in working with diverse and historically marginalized populations impacted by trauma. I specialize in treating PTSD, trauma-related conditions, and the complex intersection of mood and personality disorders that often emerge following prolonged or early-life traumatic experiences.

At Next Mission Recovery, I am committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed online therapy that fosters resilience, promotes healing, and supports sustainable growth. Through a compassionate, evidence-based approach, I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel respected, validated, and empowered to move toward meaningful recovery.

https://www.nextmissionrecovery.com/about
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