Case Record 08 · Relational Freeze and Regulatory Stabilisation

Overview

This case record documents a couple presenting with relational distress characterised by emotional withdrawal, reduced responsiveness, and a prolonged relational freeze state.

The record is situated within a regulation-informed mindfulness-based counselling approach. The focus is on patterns of nervous system regulation, attachment-related threat responses, and restoration of regulatory capacity within relational space. It does not constitute diagnosis, psychotherapy, or formal couples treatment.

Support was non-contact and regulation-oriented, with the aim of stabilising defensive shutdown patterns and supporting gradual re-engagement under conditions of perceived safety. The process did not replace psychological, couples, or medical care.

Presenting Pattern

The couple demonstrated:

• Limited emotional expression and reduced verbal exchange

• Avoidance of difficult topics without overt conflict

• Physical and emotional distancing within shared routines

• Reported numbness or relational resignation

• Reduced capacity for mutual attunement or repair

Neither partner reported acute crisis or intention to separate. However, both described diminished vitality, connection, and emotional accessibility within the relationship.

Regulation-Based Formulation

Within a regulation-informed framework, this presentation was conceptualised as a relational freeze response rather than relational failure.

From a nervous system perspective, observed features were consistent with:

• Prolonged defensive conservation states

• Reduced autonomic flexibility supporting engagement

• Learned withdrawal as a strategy to maintain perceived safety

Psychologically, both partners appeared to demonstrate:

• Anticipatory threat responses linked to past conflict

• Emotional numbing as a protective strategy

• Misinterpretation of withdrawal as lack of care

The relational system maintained stability through disengagement rather than co-regulation.

Therapeutic Perspective

Within this regulation-informed approach, support focused on:

• Prioritising nervous system stability before relational processing

• Increasing tolerance for shared presence

• Reducing defensive tone without forcing communication

• Strengthening regulatory capacity prior to attachment repair

Language describing activation and depletion is used descriptively to reflect observable regulatory patterns, without implying diagnostic or energetic claims.

Supportive Process and Observed Changes

Support emphasised nervous system settling, reduction of defensive tone, and gradual restoration of relational safety without forcing communication or emotional disclosure.

Observed changes included:

• Reduced physiological tension in shared space

• Increased tolerance for proximity and eye contact

• Emergence of small, spontaneous moments of responsiveness

• Improved capacity to pause rather than withdraw

• Renewed curiosity and gentler emotional tone

Over time, the couple reported a shift from emotional numbness toward cautious re-engagement, with greater openness to relational repair.

Integrative Summary

From a regulation-informed perspective, the observed shift reflected:

• Movement from defensive shutdown toward regulated presence

• Restoration of autonomic flexibility within relational space

• Re-emergence of connection under stabilised nervous system conditions

The aim was not to determine relational outcomes, but to restore regulatory conditions under which connection could naturally reappear.

Ethics and Safety Note

This case record is provided for educational and service description purposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, couples counselling, psychological diagnosis, or treatment. All relational decisions remained the responsibility of the individuals involved. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.