Healing After Relationship Trauma: You Are Not Alone

Relationships should feel safe, loving, and supportive. But when you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, or an abusive relationship, the emotional scars can linger long after the relationship ends. Maybe you feel on edge, constantly questioning yourself, or struggling to trust others. Perhaps you’re having flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling anxious in new relationships.

Suppose you’ve been in a relationship that left you feeling emotionally exhausted, manipulated, or unsafe. In that case, you may be experiencing Post-Traumatic Relationship Syndrome (PTRS)—a form of trauma that occurs after repeated emotional, psychological, or physical abuse in a relationship.

At Life Collective Counselling, we help individuals in Edmonton recover from relationship trauma, PTSD, and the effects of emotionally and physically abusive relationships. You don’t have to go through this alone—healing is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

in-person and virtual counselling for

RELATIONSHIP TRAUMA & PTSD COUNSELLING

What is Relationship Trauma & Post-Traumatic Relationship Syndrome (PTRS)?

Relationship trauma occurs when a romantic partnership or close relationship becomes a source of fear, distress, or emotional pain. This can happen in cases of Narcissistic abuse, Gaslighting, emotionally & physically abusive relationships, Long-term manipulation, Financial control and social isolation.

When these experiences leave lasting emotional distress, PTSD-like symptoms, and difficulty in future relationships, it is known as Post-Traumatic Relationship Syndrome (PTRS).

PTRS is not the same as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), but it shares many similarities. Understanding the difference between PTRS vs. PTSD can help you better recognize what you’re experiencing and how to begin the healing process.

PTRS vs. PTSD: Understanding the Difference

While PTSD often occurs after a single traumatic event (such as an accident, assault, or war), PTRS develops from repeated emotional, psychological, or physical trauma in an intimate relationship.

Key Differences Between PTSD and PTRS:

  • PTRS is relationship-based – It develops from abusive, toxic, or manipulative relationships.

  • PTSD is often linked to life-threatening or one-time events – Such as childhood abandonment & neglect (trauma), combat, car accidents, or assaults.

  • PTRS involves complex emotional wounds – It affects self-worth, trust, self-esteem and emotional regulation.

  • PTRS symptoms often worsen in new relationships – You may feel anxious, fearful, or unable to trust new partners.

While both conditions involve trauma responses, PTRS is specifically tied to intimate relationships and requires targeted therapy to rebuild self-trust and emotional resilience.

How do you know you’ve experienced relationship trauma?

If you’ve been in a toxic, manipulative, or abusive relationship, you may be experiencing some of the following PTRS symptoms:

    • Sexual dysfunction or lower libido – Avoiding intimacy due to past trauma.

    • Insomnia – Difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts or nightmares.

    • Blaming yourself for the abuse – Feeling guilty, shameful, or questioning your own actions.

    • Feeling generally unsafe – Constantly on guard, even in safe environments.

    • Anxiety and/or panic attacks – Sudden feelings of fear, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations.

    • Feeling on edge or irritable – Difficulty relaxing or feeling calm.

    • Distrust of other people – Finding it hard to trust new partners or friends.

    • Sadness or depression – Feeling emotionally drained, hopeless, or withdrawn.

    • Flashbacks to traumatic events in the relationship – Reliving painful memories unexpectedly.

    • Uncontrollable anger towards the abuser – Feeling rage about what happened.

    • Fear of future abuse – Worrying that new relationships will be just as harmful.

If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with long-term emotional wounds after an abusive relationship. Counselling can help you process the trauma, rebuild self-trust, and learn to feel safe again.

How Does Relationship Trauma Counselling Help?

Healing from relationship trauma isn’t just about “getting over it”—it’s about understanding what happened, breaking unhealthy patterns, and learning to trust yourself again.

  • Processing the Trauma – Safely working through the emotional wounds left by an abusive relationship.

    • Rebuilding Self-Esteem – Letting go of self-blame and recognizing your worth.

    • Learning to Trust Again – Overcoming the fear of future relationships.

    • Setting Healthy Boundaries – Recognizing red flags and protecting yourself from future harm.

    • Managing Anxiety & Triggers – Developing coping strategies for flashbacks, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts.

At Life Collective Counselling, our psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical counsellors, and relationship trauma therapists in Edmonton provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to heal and move forward.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse & Gaslighting in Relationships

One of the most damaging forms of relationship trauma is narcissistic abuse and gaslighting. Increased conflict in new parenting roles

  • Narcissistic abuse involves a cycle of manipulation, control, emotional invalidation, and blame—leaving victims feeling confused, powerless, and emotionally drained.

  • Gaslighting in relationships is a tactic used to make you doubt your own memories, feelings, and reality—causing deep emotional distress and self-doubt.

If you’ve been in a relationship where your partner:

  • Made you feel crazy for expressing emotions

  • Blamed you for their actions or mistakes

  • Used silent treatment or emotional withdrawal as punishment

  • Isolated you from friends and family

  • Controlled decisions, finances, or aspects of your life

…you may have experienced narcissistic abuse. Counselling can help you recover your sense of self, regain confidence, and learn to trust your instincts again.

Supporting Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma in Relationships

If you grew up in a neglectful, emotionally unavailable, or abusive environment, you may find yourself struggling with relationships as an adult. Childhood trauma can lead to:

  • Fear of abandonment – Worrying that people will leave you.

  • Difficulty setting boundaries – Feeling obligated to please others.

  • Trust issues – Doubting people’s intentions, even in healthy relationships.

  • Emotional triggers – Feeling overly sensitive to criticism or rejection.

Healing from childhood trauma is essential for building healthy, fulfilling relationships. Therapy can help you break the cycle of past wounds and create a future of emotional security.

Find Relationship Trauma & PTSD Counselling in Edmonton

If you’re searching for relationship trauma counselling in Edmonton, narcissistic abuse recovery, or support for Post-Traumatic Relationship Syndrome (PTRS)—we are here to help.

Healing takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, you can:

  • Reclaim your confidence

  • Develop healthy relationship patterns

  • Let go of past pain

  • Feel safe again

Contact us to start your healing journey