by Milena "Mila" Stankovic | Jul 11, 2023 | Dr. Jamie Huysman, Guest Contributor, TAR Tales
Ah siblings. As kids, maybe you shared toys, built elaborate pillow-and-blanket forts in the living room, and banded together against your parents’ “tyrannical” rule. With age, you became sounding boards and confidants. In fact, just thinking about your brother or...
by Mari Stewart | Jul 11, 2023 | Brain Chemistry, CPTSD, CPTSD and PTSD, Guest Contributor
You might think that the ultimate profession for someone with CPTSD was writing. You get to hide facelessly behind a keyboard and play with words. Sounds like a sweet gig. However, there is an ugly truth about writing which needs to be uncovered. As can be attested by...
by Erena DiGonis | Jul 10, 2023 | CPTSD, Guest Contributor, Polyvagal Theory and CPTSD
Introduction As a complex trauma therapist and advocate, I dedicate time to researching and seeking innovative ideas and tools to enhance healing for my clients. I know that many well-meaning suggestions can get too complicated and time-consuming. I was attending one...
by Shirley Davis | Jul 10, 2023 | Mindfulness
It is common these days to hear or read something about mindfulness and meditation. However, few people recognize these exercises for what they are and have no clue what the difference is between them. In this article, we will discover mindfulness and meditation and...
by Wendy Hoke | Jul 6, 2023 | CPTSD, Guest Contributor, Treatment
In playing tennis, an important axiom I’ve learned is that more points are lost than won. More points result from one player making an error rather than hitting a winning shot. Most of these errors are unforced. What happens when your therapist lobs an unforced...
by Elizabeth Woods | Jul 5, 2023 | Guest Contributor, Self-Acceptance, Sexual Abuse
***TRIGGER WARNING: This blog discusses sexual abuse*** My name is Elizabeth and I am a survivor of sexual abuse and horrific trauma. My book: The Sex-Offender’s Daughter tells my story and is available on Amazon.com. As a survivor, I have come a long way in my...
by Julie Faruba | Jul 4, 2023 | Brain Chemistry, Core Beliefs, CPTSD, CPTSD and PTSD, CPTSD Survivor Stories, Dissociation and CPTSD, Guest Contributor, PTSD, The Brain and CPTSD, Trauma
In a little over a week, I and the (mental) health director of the Jeffry Stijn Foundation for Mental Health and Patient Advocacy, will be attending the 34th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference virtually. A few days ago I decided to read Bessel van der...
by Shirley Davis | Jul 3, 2023 | Brain Chemistry, Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a misunderstood procedure that millions globally practice or attempt to practice. The term ‘mindfulness’ often leaves people asking questions such as “What is mindfulness? ” or “How could it help me?” In this new...
by Cyndi Bennett | Jun 30, 2023 | ACEs, CPTSD, CPTSD and PTSD, Guest Contributor, PTSD, Trauma
Trauma is a word or a concept that does not resonate with everyone. This is especially true for those of the older generation. Many in the older generations, like my mother’s age (70’s and above), say things like, “That was just life…it was what it was,” and that is...
by Milena "Mila" Stankovic | Jun 29, 2023 | Guest Contributor, TAR Tales, Toxic Relationships
What can you do? Toxic parents are often selfish, manipulative, and neglectful. Growing up with them can be a difficult experience, and it takes time to heal. Fortunately, you can learn how to deal with your toxic parents so you can feel better. Whether you’re...