Decoding Touch Trauma: Longing for Intimacy vs Intimacy the Greatest Fear
Touch is one of the earliest forms of communication we experience as humans. From the moment we are born, being held, stroked, or comforted provides not just warmth but also critical signals to our nervous system that shape how we experience safety, connection, and trust. Yet, for many people, touch is not always simple. Trauma—whether developmental or situational—can complicate the ability to give and receive touch, leaving lasting imprints on both mental and physical health. Understanding the science of touch trauma, and the neurobiology that underpins it, is key to unpacking why human connection often feels like both a deep…