ABSTRACT
Traumatic experiences change a survivor’s frame of reference, oen resulting in a view of the world as unsafe and others as untrustworthy (Herman, 1997; Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995). Trauma also may erode survivors’ sense of competency and control, leaving them feeling powerless, disconnected from others, and mistrusting of self. ose who have experienced trauma oen develop selfprotective, defensive behaviors to keep distance between themselves and others (Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995). When therapists conceptualize trauma as a disorder, those who experience trauma may feel pathologized, marginalized, or blamed.
