Self-Abandonment: What It Is, What It Looks Like, and How to Begin Healing

Self-Abandonment: What It Is, What It Looks Like, and How to Begin Healing Most people can name the moment someone else let them down. Far fewer notice how often they abandoned themselves and their needs quietly bi-passing and overriding daily, without ever calling it self-abandonment. The concept of self-abandonment is often overlooked, even though it plays a major role in our well-being. Self-abandonment is one of the most common patterns I see in the therapy room [...]

By Cristina Smugala|2026-08-27T01:08:57+00:00August 12th, 2026|CPTSD, somatic trauma therapy|0 Comments

Self-Criticism: A Response to Unmet Attachment Needs

Self-Criticism: A Response to Unmet Attachment Needs Self-criticism is a common and often debilitating response rooted in early trauma during early developmental stages, particularly those involving unmet attachment needs. Attachment theory, emphasizes the importance of secure attachment between a child and their primary caregiver for healthy emotional and psychological development. When these attachment needs are not adequately met, it can lead to a host of difficulties, including a pervasive pattern of self-criticism. We will explore [...]

By Cristina Smugala|2024-06-26T23:13:26+00:00June 26th, 2024|CPTSD|Comments Off

Understanding Functional Freeze in Trauma

Understanding Functional Freeze Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that arises from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often of a repetitive and interpersonal nature . One of the core responses to such trauma is the state of functional freeze. What is Functional Freeze? Functional freeze is a survival response where an individual appears outwardly functional but is internally stuck, numb, and unable to engage fully with their emotions or life. This response is part [...]

By Cristina Smugala|2024-07-17T21:53:19+00:00June 20th, 2024|CPTSD|Comments Off