Women are often expected to juggle multiple roles, constantly striving to meet the demands of being a daughter, partner, mother, employee, sister, and more. This balancing act often leads to women prioritizing others over themselves, which can result in stress and overwhelm, particularly for those with limited support systems.
Societal Pressure
Women in our society often find themselves needing to explain their reality rather than being taken at face value. They are frequently met with skepticism or are required to justify themselves. Many assumed gender roles force women to defend choices and life paths that are not considered traditionally “female.” Too frequently, women are in situations with a societal expectation that they need to explain their decisions, whether embracing specific roles or not. Often and especially true for women, the many societal, personal, familial, and other demands will result in unnecessary pathologizing or diagnosing of mental disorders rather than being viewed as a normal response to an overwhelmed nervous system.
With the Addition of Trauma
For women with a history of childhood trauma, this balancing act becomes even more complex. People who have experienced childhood trauma or neglect, for example, frequently have no template or reference point for appropriate expectations due to a lack of caregiving role models. Other traumatic experiences may impact an ability to respond in a fashion that is consistent with chronological age due to trauma’s impact on the ability of people to develop emotionally and psychologically past the age when the trauma occurred if trauma treatment is not provided during that developmental stage. Trauma that goes untreated will impact relationships.
How Can Therapy Help?
As a therapist, I work with women daily around the many roles they play and co-occurring histories of trauma. So, how do I support women in therapy who are dealing with all of these pressures:
- Support, validate, normalize, and never ask for an explanation. Frequently, clients are relieved to hear that their bodies, minds, and brains are absolutely brilliant. Their responses are normal and adaptive. When adaptive trauma responses are no longer necessary, we work at identifying strategies that honor and support the woman they want to become.
- Trauma Education and Normalization!
- The therapeutic relationship – I offer my nervous system my ability to hold space and be grounded, no matter how hard the material is.
- In terms of modalities, I utilize EMDR, ego-state therapy, or parts work in conjunction with EMDR. I also utilize the theory and principles of Synergetic Play Therapy, which is a theory that is grounded in nervous system regulation.
Navigating life in our society can be complex, especially for women. Being female shouldn’t require constant explanations for simply existing. If you need assistance with managing your roles or relationships, dealing with trauma, establishing healthy boundaries, or finding balance in your life, support is available. Call 720.675.7123, fill out a form, or click the link to schedule a call and learn more.
About the Author
Libby Korell, MSW, LCSW
Libby Korell, LCSW is passionate about her work helping people heal from complex, multilayered traumatic histories. She has special expertise in helping children and families coping with life limiting illness, abuse, major trauma and loss. She works with children, adults and parents in a caring, direct, and warm manner. She is highly adept at working with pregnant moms, postpartum families, and adults (ages 20 and up) struggling with depression, anxiety, or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are interested in connecting with support, our specialized team is here to help. You are not alone. Call 720-675-7123 or contact us below.
