← Home
Being Well · March 16, 2026 · 1h 8m

Trauma in Relationships: What Actually Helps

In this episode, Forrest Hanson is joined by his fiancée and associate therapist Elizabeth Ferreira for a candid exploration of what it’s like to be in a relationship where one partner lives with trauma or complex PTSD. Drawing on their personal experiences together, they discuss the impact of trauma on identity, the ways the relationship has fostered mutual growth, and practical approaches for supporting a partner without falling into enabling or resentment. Elizabeth shares her frank opinions on the DSM, arguing that diagnostic labels can be counterproductive, and they both reflect on the importance of seeing each other as more than their struggles. The conversation is grounded in real-life dynamics, offering an honest glimpse into the messy, rewarding work of loving someone through mental health challenges.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

How trauma shapes you00:05:50
Elizabeth discusses the ways trauma can shape a person’s identity, reactions, and worldview.
Self-discovery through relationship00:15:44
Forrest and Elizabeth reflect on how being in this relationship has prompted personal growth and self-awareness for both of them.
Supporting a partner without enabling00:21:19
The conversation explores the delicate balance between being supportive and accidentally enabling a partner’s avoidance or unhealthy patterns.
The DSM as a stigmatizing label00:54:57
Elizabeth expresses frustration with the DSM, arguing that its diagnostic labels can pathologize normal human experiences and create stigma.
Not buying in to the smallest version of your partner00:59:52
Forrest and Elizabeth discuss the importance of refusing to define a partner by their mental health challenges or past traumas.

Misc

Elizabeth wants to throw the DSM out the window.
Was this useful?