by Milena "Mila" Stankovic | Jul 13, 2023 | Guest Contributor, TAR Tales
We live in a world that values positivity and optimism. While these qualities can be beneficial, toxic positivity can have negative consequences — especially for those dealing with serious illnesses. Toxic positivity is the idea that individuals should only focus on...
by Cyndi Bennett | Jul 13, 2023 | Complex PTSD Healing, CPTSD, CPTSD and PTSD, Occupational Mental Health & CPTSD, Workplace Trauma
One of the major components of career development is self-awareness. Self-awareness is “conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires.” It is also a conscious knowledge of your giftedness, skills, and goals. Self-awareness helps us...
by Rachel Grant | Jul 12, 2023 | CPTSD, CPTSD and PTSD, Guest Contributor
I’m not going to waste any time in this month’s post – let’s get right to the heart of the matter. “How easily a life can become a litany of guilt and regret, a song that keeps echoing with the same chorus, with the inability to forgive...
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...
