The Ongoing Journey of Healing from Child Abuse

The Ongoing Journey of Healing from Child Abuse

TRIGGER WARNING: Topics in this article include childhood sexual abuse and may be sensitive to readers.  At the beginning of  July, I received a package: copies of my book and promotional material.  I danced around my flat, my heart racing with excitement and...
Living with C-PTSD: Navigating a World That Misunderstands Trauma

Living with C-PTSD: Navigating a World That Misunderstands Trauma

I often find myself caught between two feelings. The first is the instinct to correct and clarify when someone misuses a term associated with my experience. The second is the desire to be understanding and non-judgmental. After all, everyone’s trauma is valid, no...
Complex PTSD is Giving Me a Complex

Complex PTSD is Giving Me a Complex

Ever have something happen to you and suddenly, you’re part of THAT club: every person you meet has experienced the same. Get pregnant, everyone is pregnant. Get divorced, everyone is getting divorced. Get CPTSD, everyone has CPTSD. The pregnancy club membership was...
To Do or Not to Do – That is the Question of Medicine

To Do or Not to Do – That is the Question of Medicine

The stigma surrounding medications for mental illness often drives people away from what they need most. Many people innocently say, “I hate taking medications” or “I would never take them”. Isn’t it lovely that some people have a choice? People who don’t need...
CPTSD in the Workplace: Emotional Safety

CPTSD in the Workplace: Emotional Safety

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash One of the defining characteristics of CPTSD is severe and persistent problems in affect regulation. In my first article, I wrote, “Affect regulation, sometimes called emotional dysregulation, relates to having strongly felt...

Five Life Management Tips for Trauma Survivors

My hand lingered along the crystal punch bowl. I flicked it with my finger and listened to the high-pitched ding only real lead crystal can make. Setting out eight matching punch cups, I mixed ginger ale with Hawaiian punch and stirred. It was a time of celebration...