Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational or ancestral trauma, refers to the transmission of emotional wounds, coping mechanisms, and unresolved pain from one generation to the next. It can stem from major historical events such as war, forced displacement, racial oppression, or familial patterns of neglect and abuse. When left unprocessed, these traumas influence parenting styles, relationships, and even biological responses to stress.

Trauma has a profound way of reshaping the mind, body, and soul. For many, one of the most disorienting effects of trauma is the loss of self. It’s not uncommon to feel disconnected from your desires, goals, and even your identity after experiencing trauma. This loss often stems from spending too much time in survival mode—a state designed to protect us in moments of danger but not meant to be sustained. Let’s explore how trauma leads to a loss of self, its ripple effects on various aspects of life, and how to rebuild a strong sense of identity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anxious attachment, a term rooted in attachment theory, describes a style of relating to others characterized by a deep-seated fear of abandonment and rejection. This attachment style often develops in childhood and can significantly influence one's adult relationships. Understanding anxious attachment and its implications is crucial for fostering healthier connections and personal well-being.

Grief is a profound and universal experience that touches everyone at some point in their lives. In this blog post, I will discuss what grief is, how it extends far beyond the death of a loved one, and why it is a healthy, normal response. I will also explain how to validate your grief and provide some suggestions for supporting yourself and others during the grieving process.

One of the most empowering yet challenging aspects of healing from trauma is learning to set boundaries. For many who have experienced trauma, this concept can be daunting. However, it is crucial to understand that you are always allowed to change your mind and make decisions that best support your well-being.

In the journey of trauma recovery, one of the often overlooked but critical aspects is the tendency to mask emotions. Many individuals, especially those who have experienced significant trauma, develop this coping mechanism as a way to navigate through life. While it might appear on the surface that such individuals are exceptionally calm and grounded, the reality is often far more complex.

Healing from childhood trauma is a courageous and transformative journey, but it's not without its challenges. While embarking on the path to healing can lead to profound personal growth and empowerment, it also involves confronting uncomfortable truths, making difficult choices, and navigating significant changes in various aspects of life.

It’s completely normal for conflicts to arise in relationships. But, how we respond to these conflicts can reveal deep-seated patterns and beliefs about ourselves and others. Some individuals have a natural tendency to blame others when faced with challenges, deflecting responsibility and externalizing the problem. Conversely, others are quick to shoulder the blame, assuming fault even when it may not be warranted.

Perfectionism and high-performing anxiety are more common than you might think, and they often go hand in hand, creating a relentless pressure to excel in every aspect of life. But, beneath the surface of apparent success lies a tangled web of self-doubt and overwhelm. In this blog post, we’ll explore the roots of perfectionism, its ties to childhood trauma, and practical strategies for finding peace amidst the chaos.