Divorce Coaches Academy

Post Traumatic Spouse Disorder: How Trauma Impacts Divorce


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It’s well known that divorce can be one of the most stressful life events our clients will experience. And we’ve talked extensively about how fear escalates cost and conflict. But there’s a secret ingredient that can make the process even more difficult and more expensive … and that’s trauma.

Today we are going to give you some insight into working with clients experiencing PTSD or post traumatic spouse disorder. No, that’s not a real DSM diagnosis, but it is a condition that can affect people who go through extremely contentious divorces.

According to psycholoogytoday.com, “The word 'trauma' literally means wound, shock, or injury".  Studies have found that following relationship dissolution, many people manifest symptoms similar to those experienced by people who have survived highly stressful situations.

This means that in some cases, those who experience divorce could experience true PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms similar to those who have experienced military combat, natural disasters, sexual assault, or other life-threatening events.

Coaching a client in trauma presents some extra challenges because their alarm system is going off and when we feel threatened, it’s hard to have the same level of self-awareness or decision making skills.

Listen in as Tracy and Debra discuss types of trauma, trauma responses, trauma recovery, and strategies for supporting clients struggling with PTSD.


This episode includes a sponsored segment featuring Soberlink, a court-recognized alcohol monitoring system designed to support families navigating divorce and co-parenting. Soberlink provides objective, real-time accountability that helps reduce conflict, increase trust, and support safer parenting arrangements when alcohol use is a concern. Learn more about Soberlink and their professional resources at soberlink.com.

Learn more about DCA® or any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:

Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: @divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: divorce-coaches-academy
Email: [email protected]

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Divorce Coaches AcademyBy Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak

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