by Adina Lynn LeCompte | Jun 10, 2024 | 12 Step Programs, Addiction, Complex PTSD Healing, CPTSD Survivor Stories, Guest Contributor, Healing from Toxic Shame, Recovery, Self-Acceptance, Sexual Abuse, Shame, Sobriety, Substance Abuse
The imagined scene fades in: silhouette and shadow, sepia and blue-black charcoal. Fading dusk bleeds its final hint of burnt sienna. The rhythmic slap and skip-step of a single figure jumping rope. Those turning the rope and their haunting sing-song chant are just...
by Madelon Wise | Apr 12, 2023 | Addiction, Boundaries, CPTSD Survivor Stories, Family Estrangement, Guest Contributor, Parental Alienation, Shame
I was here again in Colorado, staying in my stepsister’s depressing bedroom with the same intention as I had in 1968 when I returned to my parent’s home in an attempt to heal the never-ending rift between us. Dad worked as a pharmaceutical representative, and all of...
by Elizabeth Woods | Apr 4, 2023 | CPTSD, CPTSD and Parenting, Guest Contributor
Becoming a parent is not for everyone. It is a huge responsibility and life-long commitment. If however, you decide that the risk to your freedom conquers the life that kids bring, is worth it, then why not? Kids bring a new sense of “freedom” and a life you can never...
by Elizabeth Woods | Feb 1, 2023 | Childhood Sexual Abuse, Guest Contributor, Sexual 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...
by Jeff Spiteri | Jan 10, 2023 | ACEs, CPTSD and Self-Harm, Guest Contributor, Sexual Abuse
My journey with mental health has always been a revolving door of experimentation with practices and tools. Just as we change inevitably so do our needs and the tools we use to meet those needs. For me, grounding has been paramount to my healing and day-to-day health...