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When Trauma Barriers get in the way of Married Life Post-traumatic stress order, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that can negatively affect one’s mental health and one’s marriage as well. PTSD can create problems with trust, intimacy, communication and problem-solving -- all of which are essential to maintaining healthy, loving relationships. Partners often feel helpless and frustrated. Many therapists who counsel people with PTSD prescribe individual counseling, plus couples counseling. Keep in mind that a good therapist will recommend couples counseling be done by another therapist to avoid a conflict of interest. Since individual counseling and couples counseling can get expensive, some therapists recommend couples attend a Gottman marriage workshop as an alternative to couples counseling sessions. Before looking at how trauma negatively affects a relationship and how to rebuild a successful relationship, let’s look at the causes and effects of PTSD. Causes of Post Trauma Stress Disorder PTSD may occur in people who experienced or witnessed an upsetting traumatic event such as: ● A serious vehicle accident ● Physical or sexual assault, ● Military combat, ● Natural disaster, ● Terrorist attacks, ● Miscarriage or the death of a child, ● Severe health problems, and ● Childhood physical or mental abuse Prolonged exposure to moderate stress may also cause PTSD. PTSD can also occur in people who are indirectly exposed to a traumatic event. For example, a friend who learns of a violent death of a loved one or a trial lawyer who is handling a case of child neglect and abuse may have PTSD. Signs of Trauma