Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship. It’s natural to disagree from time to time, especially when two people with unique perspectives, values, and emotions share their lives together. However, disagreements don’t have to be destructive. In fact, when handled with care and understanding, conflict can actually strengthen a relationship.

Race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) refers to the emotional and psychological distress caused by racism, discrimination, or other race-related experiences. Unlike overt physical harm, RBTS stems from the repeated, insidious effects of racial microaggressions, systemic injustice, and overt acts of racism. This stress can have lasting impacts, often paralleling symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Healing is a journey. But somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that healing—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—should follow a straight line. If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Why am I still struggling after all this time?", you’re not alone. Let's talk about why healing from trauma is anything but linear, how to release the pressure of that expectation, and why it’s okay if your path looks more like a winding road than a straight highway.

If you’ve found yourself feeling anxious or even resentful about New Year’s resolutions, you’re not alone. For many trauma survivors, the pressure to set goals, achieve milestones, and embrace sweeping change is incompatible with the pace and nature of healing. Let’s explore why resolutions can be challenging for trauma survivors and how to navigate the New Year with self-compassion instead.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and magic. But for those who’ve experienced trauma, the holidays can feel like anything but. Whether due to the loss of a loved one, strained relationships, or a past event that reshaped your sense of safety, holiday traditions can feel overwhelming or even triggering. The good news? You have the power to create new traditions that reflect your needs, values, and healing journey. Let’s explore how.

Social anxiety is more than just being "shy" or "reserved." It’s an overwhelming fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in social settings. And when you’re actively experiencing it, it can feel like you’re trapped in a spotlight, fumbling for an escape route. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are ways to cope. Let’s dive into what social anxiety is, how it develops, what it feels like, and practical strategies to manage it when it strikes.

Trauma has a way of shaping our lives in profound and often invisible ways. It can affect how we see ourselves, connect with others, and navigate the world. For those carrying the weight of unresolved trauma, therapy can be a transformative tool to reclaim a sense of safety, stability, and connection. Let’s explore what trauma is, how it impacts us, and the therapeutic approaches that can guide you on a path to healing.

When people think about trauma, they often picture dramatic moments of danger or heartbreak. But trauma is a shape-shifter—it can look like a car accident, childhood neglect, or even ongoing emotional invalidation. One thing trauma often brings along for the ride? Dissociation, a clever but confusing coping mechanism that can leave you feeling disconnected from your body, mind, or even reality itself. In this post, we’ll explore how trauma impacts the brain, what dissociation is, how to recognize it, and ways to support yourself or a loved one through it.

Thanksgiving often comes wrapped in the pressure to celebrate togetherness, express gratitude, and enjoy festive meals. But if you have unresolved childhood trauma, the holiday can feel more like a storm of stress, anxiety, and old wounds. For many, it’s not the turkey or the pie that’s the problem—it’s the family dynamics, unspoken expectations, and the weight of the past.

Healing from CPTSD is a complex but deeply rewarding journey. By engaging in therapy, practicing self-care, and building supportive relationships, individuals can reclaim their lives from the grip of trauma. Recovery may take time, but with the right tools and compassionate guidance, individuals with CPTSD can move toward a life of greater emotional balance, healthier relationships, and renewed hope for the future. The path to healing is not about perfection but about embracing one’s humanity, resilience, and capacity for growth.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a deeply challenging mental health condition that arises from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often during childhood or adolescence. Unlike PTSD, which typically results from a single, isolated incident, CPTSD stems from sustained trauma over a longer period. This chronic exposure profoundly impacts emotional, physical, and psychological well-being, shaping the way individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world around them.

Relationships are at the core of our lives, offering companionship, support, and love. But no relationship is without challenges. When communication breaks down, trust is shaken, or unresolved trauma affects the dynamic, even the strongest of relationships can feel strained. Couples therapy provides a safe space for partners to address these issues, repair the emotional bonds, and foster deeper intimacy. If you’re struggling to find that connection with your partner or feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, couples therapy could be the key to rebuilding your relationship.

When anxiety takes hold, it can make everyday tasks feel insurmountable and strain relationships, work, and self-esteem. If you’ve tried to manage your anxiety on your own or with previous therapies but haven’t found lasting relief, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but the good news is that effective treatment is available. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what therapy for anxiety looks like, what you can expect from this type of treatment, and why it’s particularly helpful for people who have experienced trauma.

Navigating relationships can be challenging for anyone, but for individuals with an avoidant attachment style, expressing needs and emotions can feel particularly overwhelming. When avoidance becomes a core defense mechanism, individuals may find it difficult to communicate openly, advocate for themselves, or even recognize their own emotional needs. This can create a cycle of isolation and dissatisfaction in relationships, leaving individuals feeling unheard and disconnected.

Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but for couples coping with the impact of complex PTSD (C-PTSD), maintaining open and productive dialogue can be especially challenging. Emotional dysregulation—a common symptom of C-PTSD—can significantly hinder communication and create an environment where misunderstandings, conflict, and emotional pain take center stage.

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in shaping how we view ourselves and the world around us. It affects our relationships, our work, and our overall sense of well-being. When self-esteem is low, it can leave us feeling stuck, unworthy, and disconnected from our true potential. Therapy for self-esteem is designed to help individuals explore the root causes of their low self-worth, develop healthier self-perceptions, and build a stronger foundation for confidence and self-compassion.

When it comes to healing from trauma, everyone’s journey is unique. Some individuals find comfort in the slow, steady pace of traditional weekly therapy sessions, while others may benefit from a more concentrated approach. This is where therapy intensives come into play. As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I have seen the profound impact that therapy intensives can have on individuals seeking to heal from deep-seated emotional wounds.

Intimacy and vulnerability are essential components of healthy relationships, but for individuals with an avoidant attachment style, these aspects of connection can be particularly challenging. Avoidant attachment often manifests as a deep-seated fear of emotional closeness, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining intimate relationships.

In every relationship, there are moments of disconnect, misunderstandings, and emotional pain. For couples, these moments can create distance, erode trust, and, over time, lead to significant relationship strain. This is especially true for couples where one or both partners have experienced trauma. Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) offers a powerful and effective approach to healing and strengthening relationships by addressing the underlying emotional dynamics that drive conflict and disconnection.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an innovative and compassionate approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the understanding and healing of the multiple sub-personalities, or "parts," within each person. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS offers a unique lens through which to view and treat psychological issues, particularly those rooted in trauma.