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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I have witnessed the transformative power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This innovative approach to trauma treatment has helped countless individuals process and heal from their traumatic experiences. In this blog post, we will explore what EMDR is, what you can expect from it, who it can benefit, and why it might be more effective than other methods you may have tried. We'll also discuss how to find a qualified EMDR therapist near you and how my training and experience can support your healing journey.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that affects many individuals who have experienced prolonged trauma. Unlike PTSD, which often results from a single traumatic event, CPTSD is the result of repeated exposure to traumatic situations, such as long-term abuse or neglect. This can lead to deeply ingrained negative thought patterns that affect one's sense of self and overall mental health.

In recent years, the term "narcissism" has become increasingly prevalent in discussions about personality traits and interpersonal dynamics. Narcissism, rooted in Greek mythology, refers to a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. The rise of social media and a culture of self-promotion have greatly contributed to the visibility of narcissistic behaviors in society today.

Many individuals believe that their traumas are safely tucked away in the past. But, past wounds can suddenly and unexpectedly find their way into the present, influencing emotional well-being and daily functioning. As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I understand that it can be surprising to discover how the impact of past traumas are subtly shaping your day-to-day life.

In the realm of relationships, the balance between interdependence and codependence significantly shapes the dynamics between individuals. As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I often meet with individuals and couples who need support in navigating this complex topic.

Repressed memories are memories that have been unconsciously blocked from conscious awareness due to the stressful or traumatic nature of the events they represent.

You have options beyond the traditional model of therapy that help you feel better, faster.