Healing Attachment Wounds
Attachment wounds and the fear of abandonment often develop early in life due to neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or traumatic relational experiences. However, healing is possible. With the right therapeutic interventions and self-awareness, individuals can work towards cultivating secure attachments and overcoming their fears.
Rebuilding Trust After Trauma
Trust and intimacy are fundamental to healthy relationships, but for individuals with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), these elements can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Trauma—especially when it occurs over a prolonged period—can rewire the brain’s ability to trust, making vulnerability in relationships feel overwhelming or even dangerous. However, healing is possible.
Healing generational trauma
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 and loss of self
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.
Race-based traumatic stress
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).
The path to healing
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.
New Year, New… Nothing?
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.
New holiday traditions after trauma
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.
Coping with Social Anxiety in the Moment
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 Therapy in Oregon and Washington
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.
Understanding Trauma and Dissociation
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.
Understanding Complex PTSD: Part 2
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.
Therapy for Anxiety in Eugene, OR and online throughout Oregon and Washington
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.
Managing Relationships When You and/or Your Partner Have Complex PTSD
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.
Building Confidence and Self-Worth: Therapy for Self-Esteem in Eugene, OR and online throughout Oregon and Washington
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.
A Pathway to Rapid Healing: Therapy Intensives in Eugene, OR and online throughout Oregon and Washington
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.
Understanding Brainspotting Therapy
Among the various therapeutic methods available, Brainspotting Therapy stands out as a powerful and effective tool for healing trauma. In this blog post, we will delve into what Brainspotting Therapy is, what you can expect from it, who it is helpful for, and why it may be more beneficial than previous methods you may have tried. Finally, we will guide you on how to find a Brainspotting therapist near you and explain my own expertise and success in using this therapy to help people process and heal from trauma.
Understanding Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy offers a structured and compassionate approach to help individuals navigate the aftermath of traumatic experiences, facilitating recovery and fostering resilience. In this blog post, we will explore what trauma therapy is, what you can expect from it, who it can help, and why it might be more effective than previous methods you may have tried. Additionally, we will provide guidance on finding a trauma therapist near you and share how I, as a trained trauma therapist, can support you in your healing journey.
The impact of trauma: PTSD vs. C-PTSD
Trauma can have profound and lasting impacts on an individual's life, influencing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. While trauma responses can manifest in various forms, two primary conditions are commonly discussed: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Understanding the nuances between these two disorders is crucial for effective treatment and support.
Why you shouldn’t hold everything in
In relationships of any kind, the ability to be vulnerable and authentic is crucial for emotional well-being and depth of connection. However, many individuals find themselves navigating environments where revealing their true selves is met with disapproval, judgment, or even rejection. In such spaces, the compulsion to keep secrets and maintain a facade can give rise to a form of psychological trauma that silently takes its toll, often starting at a young age.