Towards a relational/compassionate Gestalt understanding of trauma and addiction

Abstract

"Abstract Traumatic childhood and life events shape how individuals see themselves and the world. When there is a lack of a caring, supportive other to help nurture and process the pain, the wounds of this initial trauma and the various ways of managing the aftermath can become fixed and directly impact relationships, self-perception, coping skills, self-esteem, etc. (Kepner, 2013; Maté, 2010; Taylor, 2014; Van der Kolk, 2015). Unfortunately, a common and initially effective way of managing the impact of trauma and adjusting to the world is through addictive behaviours (Brownell, 2012; Clemmens & Matzko, 2004; Maté, 2010; Matzko, 1997; Pintus, 2017). Such behaviours provide temporary relief and anaesthetise emotional and relational pain. The goal of addiction is to push us away from experiencing unpleasantness, and it briefly allows problems, challenges and discomfort to melt away. Initially, this can be a functional, creative adjustment that helps the individual survive and find a place to belong. Painful experiences can heal through a nurturing, empathetic relationship. However, without a caring other, trauma and addiction become linked and intertwined. Keywords trauma, relational Gestalt, compassion, addiction, creative adjustment, hope, healing"