by Heidi Fischer | Dec 14, 2022 | Complex PTSD Healing, CPTSD, CPTSD and PTSD, Emotional Flashbacks, Guest Contributor
This article was originally published on The Mighty. I was sitting on the couch of the therapist I saw over 10 years ago. She had her Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) in her lap, and with my input, she was going over the symptoms of post-traumatic stress...
by Elizabeth Woods | Dec 12, 2022 | Abuse, CPTSD, Guest Contributor
My name is Elizabeth and I am a survivor of sexual childhood abuse and unspeakable trauma. Before I tell you my story, I want you to know that no matter how bad your life is, there is always hope. I lived in the darkness for a long time during my most vulnerable...
by Elizabeth Woods | Dec 8, 2022 | Abuse, CPTSD, Family Estrangement, Guest Contributor
I’m a survivor of sexual child abuse and horrific trauma. My start in life was difficult and painful and I grew up not knowing “how to live”. I didn’t know how to be a human being. I had no identity. I had not traveled and had no passport....
by Sunny Lynn, OMC | Dec 8, 2022 | Anxiety, Boundaries, CPTSD, Guest Contributor, Holiday Stress, Holidays, Mindfulness, Self Care, Self-Acceptance
How to Celebrate “The Season” Your Way (as published in The Friday Edition of HeartBalm Healing at https://heartbalm.substack.com) As we roll into November, December, and the new year, it is inevitable that the holiday season will bring challenges, anxiety, fear,...
by Robyn Brickel | Dec 7, 2022 | CPTSD, Guest Contributor, Trauma-Informed
Change in the most basic form means to become or make something different. Changes happen for everyone, whether they are small or large. They can be detours on the road due to construction, your favorite coffee shop closing, your child going to school, a relationship...
by Jamie Donmoyer | Dec 6, 2022 | Complex PTSD Healing, CPTSD, CPTSD and Narcissistic Abuse, CPTSD Survivor Stories, Emotional Wellness, Guest Contributor, Healing from Toxic Shame, Healing Self-Shame, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Shame, Symptoms of CPTSD, The Brain and CPTSD, Trauma, Trauma-Informed
Perched on a stone wall between Starbucks and a fancy purse boutique, I peer over my phone. The Hollywood Tower of Terror glows in the distance as determined parents push strollers filled with exhausted toddlers, bubble machines, and sippy cups. They can’t leave...