A Brief Overview of the NeuroAffective Relational Model

Origins and Key Concepts

The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Laurence

Heller that integrates elements of attachment theory, neuroscience, and somatic psychology. NARM specifically targets the impact of trauma on the development of the self, focusing on the healing of attachment wounds and the restoration of self-regulation.

The Connection between Trauma, Addiction, and Mental Health

Trauma can disrupt an individual's ability to self-regulate, leading to difficulties in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and coping with stress. These challenges can contribute to the development of addiction and mental health issues, as individuals may turn to substances or maladaptive behaviors to cope with their unresolved trauma.

Key Concepts in the NeuroAffective Relational Model

Attachment Wounds

Attachment wounds are disruptions in the early bonding process between a child and their primary caregiver, which can lead to difficulties in forming secure relationships later in life. NARM posits that healing attachment wounds is crucial for individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues related to trauma.

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation refers to an individual's ability to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in response to internal and external stimuli. Trauma can disrupt self-regulation, making it challenging for individuals to cope with stress and maintain emotional stability. NARM aims to restore self- regulation by addressing the underlying trauma and attachment wounds.

The Therapeutic Process in the NeuroAffective Relational Model

The Five Adaptive Survival Styles

NARM identifies five adaptive survival styles that individuals develop in response to early attachment disruptions:

• Connection

• Attunement

• Trust

• Autonomy

• Love-Sexuality

These survival styles represent adaptive strategies that helped the individual cope with their attachment wounds, but may contribute to addiction and mental health issues in adulthood.

Working with the NARM Practitioner

The NARM practitioner works collaboratively with the individual to explore their adaptive survival styles and the impact of these strategies on their current functioning. Through this exploration, the individual gains insight into their patterns of behavior and learns to develop healthier strategies for self-regulation and relationship-building.

Supporting Families Affected by Trauma, Addiction, and Mental Health Issues

Understanding the Impact of Trauma

Families can support their loved ones by educating themselves about the impact of trauma on addiction and mental health. By understanding the connection between trauma, attachment wounds, and self-regulation, families can better empathize with their loved one's struggles and provide appropriate support.

Encouraging Connection and Emotional Safety

Creating an environment of connection and emotional safety is crucial for individuals healing from trauma. Families can foster this environment by promoting open communication, validating their loved one's emotions, and providing consistent support and understanding.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Families affected by trauma, addiction, and mental health issues may benefit from seeking professional guidance from a therapist with expertise in the NeuroAffective Relational Model. A skilled NARM practitioner can help the individual and their family navigate the complex terrain of trauma recovery and provide valuable insights and strategies to promote healing.

Participating in Family Therapy

Family therapy can be an invaluable resource for families affected by trauma, addiction, and mental health issues, as it provides a safe space to explore family dynamics, address underlying issues, and work towards healthier patterns of interaction. Engaging in family therapy can help families better understand the role trauma plays in their loved one's struggles and empower them to make positive changes within the family system.

The Five Adaptive Survival Styles – A Closer Look

Connection Survival Style

The Connection Survival Style develops in response to a lack of consistent emotional support from caregivers. Individuals with this style may struggle to maintain close relationships and feel a constant sense of disconnection. They may use addictive substances or behaviors to numb their feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Attunement Survival Style

The Attunement Survival Style arises when individuals do not receive appropriate emotional attunement from their caregivers. They may struggle with self-awareness and self-regulation, often prioritizing the needs of others over their own. This can contribute to addiction and mental health issues, as individuals may use substances or engage in maladaptive behaviors to cope with unmet emotional needs.

Trust Survival Style

The Trust Survival Style develops when individuals experience a breach of trust in their early relationships, leading to difficulties in trusting themselves and others. They may be overly cautious or suspicious in relationships, and may turn to addictive substances or behaviors to manage their fears and anxieties around trust.

Autonomy Survival Style

The Autonomy Survival Style forms in response to a lack of support for the individual's autonomy and independence. These individuals may struggle with self-reliance and may experience feelings of helplessness or dependency. They may turn to addiction as a means of escaping their feelings of powerlessness or to assert control over their lives.

Love-Sexuality Survival Style

The Love-Sexuality Survival Style develops when there is a disconnect between love and sexuality in early relationships. Individuals with this style may struggle with intimacy, often experiencing confusion or ambivalence around romantic and sexual connections. They may use addictive substances or behaviors to cope with their unmet needs for closeness and intimacy.

Conclusion

The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) provides a powerful framework for understanding the impact of trauma on addiction and mental health, offering individuals and their families a path to healing and recovery. By addressing attachment wounds, restoring self-regulation, and exploring the five adaptive survival styles, NARM can help individuals overcome the lasting effects of trauma and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Families can support their loved ones in this process by understanding the role of trauma, creating an environment of connection and emotional safety, seeking professional guidance, and participating in family therapy