Trauma Bonding Awareness & Healing Worksheet
Did you score 'moderate' to 'high' on the Trauma Bonding Self-Quiz I released last week? If so, this worksheet's for you! (Paid Subscriber Bonus Content)
Worksheet for Adult Survivors of Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) with Trauma Bonding Issues
Access the Trauma Bonding Self-Test (you’ll find it near the bottom of the post).
The below worksheet is designed for adult survivors of family scapegoating abuse (FSA) who struggle with trauma bonding in their relationships. As described in my article How Trauma Bonding Impacts Adult Survivors of Family Scapegoating Abuse (which should be read prior to completing this worksheet and includes a trauma bonding self test), trauma bonding is an extraordinarily complex dynamic that occurs when a strong emotional attachment (both negative and positive) forms between an abuse victim and their abuser. This worksheet was designed to help you understand and address how trauma bonding may be affecting your ability to form healthier relationships today.
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Part 1: Understanding Trauma Bonding
1. Define Trauma Bonding:
Trauma Bonding: Describe what trauma bonding means to you. How would you define it? How does it manifest in your relationships today as an adult survivor of FSA?
Example: Trauma bonding is the strong emotional attachment to someone who causes harm. Trauma bonds with abusive family members causes me to be drawn to abusive people today.
2. Identify Trauma Bonding Patterns:
Reflect on past and current relationships. Are there recurring patterns of trauma bonding? List examples.
Example: I find myself constantly returning to a partner who apologizes and promises to change even though I realize this is unlikely to happen.
3. Recognize Emotional Triggers:
What specific triggers or events in your relationships tend to intensify your trauma bonding? List and describe them.
Example: Feeling rejected or emotionally abandoned often makes me cling more to my partner, hoping for reassurance.
Part 2: Self-Reflection and Expanding Awareness
1. Reflect on Your Family History:
How did your family-of-origin dynamics contribute to your experience of trauma bonding? How might family scapegoating abuse dynamics have contributed to your experience of trauma bonding? Reflect on your role within the family and the nature of the scapegoating.
Example: I was often blamed for family issues, which made me seek approval and validation from others - including those in my family who scapegoated me.