Break Free from Trauma Bonds – Series, part 3
In our previous discussions, we explored the origins and signs of trauma bonds. Now, let’s focus on the most crucial part—breaking free. Trauma bonds can feel overwhelming, but with God’s help, healing is possible. You can find out more HERE.
Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds: Steps to Healing
- Break Free from Trauma Bonds – Series, part 3
- Introduction
- 1. Acknowledge the Trauma Bond
- 2. Seek God’s Strength and Guidance
- 3. Establish Firm Boundaries
- 4. Detach from False Hope and Emotional Dependence
- 5. Seek Support and Accountability
- 6. Focus on Healing and Self-Worth in Christ
- 7. Forgive and Let Go
- 8. Walk in Your New Identity
- Watch on YouTube
- Conclusion
- Final Thoughts & Call to Action
- Related Articles
Steps to Break Free from a Trauma Bond
Introduction
Breaking free from a trauma bond is a challenging yet crucial step toward healing and emotional freedom. Trauma bonds form in relationships where abuse, manipulation, or deep emotional attachment creates a cycle that is difficult to escape. While leaving a toxic relationship can feel overwhelming, with God’s strength and practical steps, you can reclaim your identity and move forward in wholeness.
David writes in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” In Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”. Paul also writes in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”.
Healing is a process, but with God’s guidance, restoration is possible.
1. Acknowledge the Trauma Bond
The first step to breaking free is recognizing that you are in a trauma bond. Denial keeps you trapped, while acknowledgment opens the door to healing.
Action Step: Take time to reflect on your relationship. Ask yourself: Am I excusing mistreatment? Do I feel trapped or powerless? Identifying these patterns is key to moving forward.
Biblical Perspective: John 8:32 reminds us, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Facing the truth is the first step to breaking free.
2. Seek God’s Strength and Guidance
Escaping a trauma bond is not just a physical separation but also an emotional and spiritual process. Rely on God’s wisdom and strength.
Action Step: Pray for courage and clarity. Ask God to help you see the situation through His eyes and give you the strength to take action.
Biblical Perspective: Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
3. Establish Firm Boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential in breaking free from toxic relationships. This may include cutting off contact, limiting interactions, or seeking external support to maintain distance.
Action Step: Clearly define what boundaries need to be in place. If necessary, block communication, remove triggers, and create a support system to help you uphold these boundaries.
Biblical Perspective: Proverbs 4:23 warns us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Healthy boundaries protect your heart and mind from further harm.
4. Detach from False Hope and Emotional Dependence
One of the hardest aspects of leaving a trauma bond is the emotional dependence it creates. Abusive relationships often involve cycles of highs and lows, making it difficult to let go of hope that things will change.
Action Step: Recognize that real love does not involve manipulation, fear, or suffering. Shift your focus from waiting for change to pursuing your own healing and peace.
Biblical Perspective: Romans 12:2 urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Renewal comes when we release false hope and embrace God’s truth.
5. Seek Support and Accountability
You don’t have to go through this alone. Surround yourself with godly mentors, counselors, and trusted friends who can encourage and guide you through the process.
Action Step: Find a Christian counselor, join a support group, or lean on trusted believers who can help you stay accountable in your journey to freedom.
Biblical Perspective: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Healing happens in community.
6. Focus on Healing and Self-Worth in Christ
Leaving a trauma bond is only the beginning. Healing requires rebuilding your self-worth and rediscovering your identity in Christ.
Action Step: Spend time in God’s Word and replace lies with His truth. Meditate on verses that affirm your value and dignity in Him.
Biblical Perspective: Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Your worth is found in God, not in toxic relationships.
7. Forgive and Let Go
Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongdoing but releasing bitterness so it no longer controls you. Letting go is an essential part of moving forward.
Action Step: Pray for God’s help in releasing anger, resentment, and pain. Trust that He will bring justice and healing in His perfect timing.
Biblical Perspective: Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
8. Walk in Your New Identity
Once you have broken free, embrace the life God has prepared for you. You are no longer bound to the past but are called to a new beginning in Christ.
Action Step: Declare God’s promises over your life daily. Step into relationships that align with His love and purpose.
Biblical Perspective: 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Freedom in Christ means stepping into a future filled with His peace and love.
Watch on YouTube
Conclusion
Breaking free from a trauma bond is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help. Recognizing the bond, setting boundaries, detaching from false hope, seeking support, and embracing healing are key steps toward freedom. Most importantly, lean on God’s strength and trust in His plan for your restoration.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Have you broken free from a trauma bond? What steps helped you in your journey? Your testimony can encourage others who are struggling to take that first step.
Let’s hold on to Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
May we all walk in the freedom that Christ has prepared for us.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Let us hold onto the truth found in Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Together, through faith and understanding, we can break free from trauma bonds and walk in the fullness of God’s love.
