How to Support Your Partner’s Emotional Healing

In relationships, we tend to talk about people having “baggage.” But, that’s not an appropriate word to describe the emotional troubles someone has been through throughout their life.

If you’re in a relationship and your partner is going through emotional healing, it’s essential to be there for them in every way possible.

The negative issues from your partner’s past can easily manifest themselves in the present. While helping them through that emotional healing might not be easy, it can make your relationship stronger.

So, how can you support them through the emotional healing process?

Take the Time to Listen

An excellent approach to help your partner with emotional healing is to listen. That doesn’t mean trying to force things out of them. It means allowing them to open up to you on their time in their way.

When someone can finally speak their truth and let it all out, it’s often the first step toward emotional healing. This reality is especially true if they’ve been holding onto trauma since childhood or for many years.

While you’re listening, you don’t have to come up with ways to “fix” the problem. That isn’t the point. Instead, listen actively and compassionately. Let your partner know you’re there for support, no matter what. Let them know you believe them.

Keep Communicating

Don’t assume that just because your partner tells you about their emotional trauma once that the conversation is over. It should be ongoing to promote healing over time.

Chances are, they aren’t going to tell you about everything all at once. Check in from time to time. While you shouldn’t force them to talk about things they aren’t ready for, they need to know that you’re always there to listen and show support.

They might feel embarrassed or hurt sometimes, and it might be for no reason. Chances are, you know them better than anyone, especially if you’re married. So, pay close attention to their moods and behaviors.

Don’t Take It Personally

Trauma from childhood or past relationships could cause your partner to act out in specific ways. They might have mood swings or perhaps experience anxiety or depression. It won’t always be easy to know how to respond or how to help them.

Sometimes, they may take their negative emotions out on you. It’s easy for them to feel frustration, guilt, or shame. The best thing you can do in those situations is not to take it personally. You have to remind yourself of the things they’ve experienced. Also, keep in mind how hard it all is to process and overcome trauma.

You can take comfort in knowing they’re working on it, and you can continue to be there as a support.

Another crucial tip is to take care of yourself. You can’t continue to help your partner if you’re not prioritizing your own mental and physical health, too. It’s okay to need a break sometimes. Find things you enjoy doing and things that help you relax. The healthier you are, the better you’ll be able to take care of your partner.

Encourage Them to Get Help

Listening and supporting your partner through their emotional healing are wonderful things you can do daily. But, if they’re struggling with substantial emotional trauma, they may need more professional help to navigate the issues.

Encouraging your partner to seek out the help of a therapist can make a big difference. Therapy can help them to work through their emotional issues and finally find freedom.

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If you’re in the East Bay area, feel free to contact me for more information on how emotional healing can truly begin. Or, visit my page about [insert specialty page link] to learn more.

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