Gary Katz

As a therapist at the Center for Intimacy Recovery, I often witness the profound effects of childhood experiences on adult relationships and emotional health. One critical area of focus is the concept of betrayal trauma , a term popularized by psychologist Jennifer Freyd. This trauma manifests when children are subjected to betrayal during their formative years, particularly by caregivers who should have provided safety and protection. Understanding how these experiences shape our perceptions...

As a psychotherapist at the Center for Intimacy Recovery, I regularly reflect on how our earliest experiences shape who we become as adults. When I encounter a client who doesn’t have a strong connection to their own feelings or doesn’t trust their “gut” I get curious as to why this has happened. Being connected to ourselves and having a gut instinct is a natural part of human The Dismissal of Feelings When children express emotions, ideally, they should receive validation and support....

In the quest for a fulfilling and healthy intimate relationship, open communication and mutual respect are foundational.