MONTHLY MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIP SUPPORT

Trauma doesn’t only live in the past—it can show up in the present through triggers, emotional shutdown, people-pleasing, anxiety, anger, mistrust, or feeling “too much” or “not enough.” In relationships, these patterns can create distance and misunderstandings even when love is present.

This 90-minute introductory session will gently introduce what trauma is, and how it may show up in our relationships—especially in communication, conflict, closeness, and emotional safety. The aim is to build awareness and understanding, with a few practical, grounding tools you can start using straight away.

This is a mixed event open to men and women. You can attend on your own or alongside a partner.

• What trauma is
• Common trauma responses and relationship patterns (fight/flight/freeze/fawn)
• Triggers, overwhelm, shutdown, and why they happen
• How trauma can impact trust, closeness, and communication
• Simple tools to regulate and return to calm/connection

By the end of the session, you’ll leave with:

• Greater self-awareness about your patterns, needs, and triggers
• Better tools for calmer communication (even during difficult moments)
• More compassion for yourself and others by understanding the “why” behind behaviours
• Practical strategies to reduce tension and disconnection
• A clearer sense of next steps for strengthening trust and connection over time

This session is part of an ongoing monthly Marriage & Relationship Support series. As we progress, future topics may include:

• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution
• Emotional regulation
• Boundaries
• Rebuilding trust and connection

Please bring your own pen and paper for note-taking.

This session is educational and supportive and is not therapy. Please feel free to take breaks and participate at your comfort level.