How My Friend Taught Me How to be Kind to Myself
There are life lessons our parents teach us, life lessons we learn on our own, and also life lessons that only our best friends can teach us. Best friends are essential for anyone’s life. You understand relationships are when you’ll be able to truly count on a few...
Creating a New Family After Childhood Abuse
***TRIGGER WARNING*** This article specifically discusses childhood sexual trauma. Survivors of childhood abuse and trauma are often conflicted about family life. It is after all difficult to understand what a real family is like if you have never experienced it from...George & Tammy, We’ve Come A Long Way
I recently watched “George & Tammy” on SHOWTIME®, (incredibly well done!). It made my heart ache to watch it. The pain of two people struggling through addiction with seemingly no understanding of how to make it stop. George and Tammy were wed in 1969 which...Family Estrangement: Going No Contact
People with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) or living in other distress usually come from dysfunctional homes. These survivors have endured many traumas perpetrated by their family members, and after reaching adulthood, many of these grown children...Dual Awareness – The Body Has a Story to Tell
I often work with patients who have a difficult time thinking about what they feel as well as having the felt experience of emotions. I often encounter patients who are more than willing to share their mental health struggles. The stories they share are painful to...Planet Alien: Shattered Hearts. Silenced Voices.
This blog originally appeared at https://powerfullypowerless.wordpress.com/2020/11/04/planet-alien-shattered-hearts-silenced-voices/ You still don’t see me, not really.You know I exist.Yet, I am never fully visible. You are glad I am not your problem to deal with.You...What is Meditation? (And How it Can Help Trauma Survivors With Life Management)
Meditation is ceasing daily activity and entering into a focused time of attention on the inner life. It is one of the four components that create structure bringing about transformation in the life of a trauma survivor. The four components are regular mealtimes,...
Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Because You Are a Girl
The long, low white 4-bedroom house crouched in wait on a big corner lot shaded by silver maple trees. I can still see the kitchen, the dining room, my bedroom, and the patio outside where I spent so much time. I can picture the television and its rabbit ears in the...