Trauma

Have you ever wondered why certain experiences from your past still affect your relationships, emotions, or the way you see yourself today? Maybe you find yourself constantly on guard, struggle to trust others, feel responsible for everyone else's emotions, or have a hard time believing you are worthy of love. Perhaps you have heard the terms complex trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and wondered whether they describe the same thing. Although these te

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a well-known condition that can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event. However, there is a lesser-known form of PTSD called Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), which arises from prolonged, repeated trauma. In this blog, we’ll explore what C-PTSD is, how it differs from PTSD, and what symptoms and treatments are available for those affected. C-PTSD typically occurs when a person is subjected to ongoing trauma over an extended period. T

Healing from trauma is a sensitive path often including emotional hurdles. While all traumas leave a profound mark on an individual's life, there's a different level of difficulty in recovering from what's called "complex trauma", or cPTSD.Unlike single-incident traumas, complex trauma stems from repeated experiences of stressful and traumatic events, usually in environments where there's no escape. The impact over time of these experiences creates a complex road to healing,

When people hear the words domestic violence, they often picture physical injuries and abuse. But domestic abuse isn't always visible. Sometimes, it looks like constantly questioning yourself, feeling afraid of your partner's reaction, or apologizing for things you don't understand or think you should be apologizing for. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, making it an important time to talk about the many forms abuse can take, including emotional and psychological

Raising Kids Who Aren't Bullies: How Parents Can Teach Kindness, Empathy, and Respect No parent wants to think their child could be the one picking on someone else. We spend so much time teaching our children to stand up for themselves, make friends, and feel confident. But how do we teach them to make sure other children feel safe, included, and respected, too? Raising kids who aren't bullies starts long before bullying becomes a problem. It begins with the everyday conversa

Few things are harder for a parent than learning that their child is being hurt, excluded, or targeted by other children. As a parent myself, it's truly a challenge to think of anything worse. Whether it's happening on the playground, in the classroom, on the bus, or through social media, discovering that your child is being bullied can leave you feeling angry, heartbroken, and unsure of what to do next. You want to protect your child. You want the behavior to stop. And you

Gaslighting 101: Identifying True Manipulation vs. Common Misunderstandings Gaslighting, a form of psychological abuse, has gained increasing attention in discussions about mental health and domestic violence. This manipulative tactic can have devastating effects on an individual’s well-being, often leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and even substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Understanding gaslighting is crucial for recognizing and addressing this insidious form of emotiona

Divorce changes a family structure, but it does not have to destroy a child’s sense of security.

*Partners, someone you're dating, significant others, etc. How to Show Up with Care, Respect, and Understanding When your partner has experienced sexual assault—whether recently or in the past—it can be incredibly difficult to know how to help. You may feel heartbroken, angry, protective, or even unsure of what to say. All of those reactions are valid. But what matters most is this: Your presence, patience, and willingness to understand can play a powerful role in your partne

"There's no missing piece hidden in the files that makes the abuse of innocent children make sense."

Please note, this blog is written, researched, and maintained by non-clinical staff. Therefore, the blog should be taken as psychoeducation only and not as medical or therapy advice or as a replacement for therapy. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing a non life threatening mental health crisis, please call 988. Trauma is not just about the event of the intensity of the event. How it lands in the body is equally impor

Unresolved trauma in adults can show up as emotional distress, relationship difficulties, or physical symptoms long after the trauma.

Note. I am not a domestic violence advocate or legal professional. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. When you hear the term "domestic violence", what comes to mind? Many of us probably think first of physical abuse. Hitting, slapping, biting, choking, or any form of physical harm falls under the umbrella of physical abuse and is absolutely one form of domestic violence. But what if there are "things" happening in your relationship that don't feel

An important note. I (Kaitlyn) am not a domestic violence advocate or legal resource. The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 for mental health crises. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. It is am important time to address something that is unfortunately fairly common: violence in personal relationships. Statistics tell us that