Understanding Repressed Trauma What Is Repression? Defense Mechanism: Unconscious protection from painful memories Memory Storage: Trauma stored in body and unconscious mind Impact: Affects current behavior and relationships Recognition: Often surfaces through symptoms How Therapy Helps Safe Environment Creation Trust Building: Developing therapeutic alliance Boundaries: Clear relationship parameters Pacing: Client-led exploration Support: Consistent professional presence […]
Trauma
Hidden Connections: Understanding the Overlap Between ADHD and Trauma Responses
Many people with ADHD experience symptoms that may actually be trauma responses in disguise. Understanding this overlap can lead to more effective treatment approaches and better self-awareness. The ADHD-Trauma Connection Shared Neural Pathways How trauma and ADHD affect similar brain areas: Executive Function: Impact on planning and organization Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing feelings Attention Control: […]
Recognizing Unprocessed Trauma: A Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Hidden Signs
Recognizing Unprocessed Trauma: A Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Hidden Signs Unprocessed trauma can significantly impact daily life, often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Understanding these signs is crucial for seeking appropriate help and beginning the healing journey. Physical Manifestations Body-Based Symptoms How trauma appears physically: Nervous System Signs Hyperarousal: Constant state of alertness […]
Dating Red Flags: A Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Recognizing Unhealthy Relationship Patterns
Dating Red Flags: A Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Recognizing Unhealthy Relationship Patterns In the complex world of modern dating, recognizing emotional red flags early can prevent significant psychological distress and help maintain healthy boundaries. As mental health professionals, we regularly support clients navigating the challenging terrain of romantic relationships. This comprehensive guide will help […]
Nature’s Healing Power: How Connecting with the Natural World Aids Trauma Recovery
In our increasingly digital world, the therapeutic benefits of nature connection have never been more relevant, especially for trauma survivors. Research shows that spending time in natural environments can significantly support trauma recovery and healing. This comprehensive guide explores the science behind nature therapy and its practical applications in trauma treatment. Understanding Trauma and Nature’s […]
Leave Your Past Relationships in the Past
Dating can be challenging for anyone, but for those with past relationship trauma, it can be especially daunting. The fear of getting hurt again can lead to anxiety, depression, and a reluctance to open up to new people. However, vulnerability is essential for forming deep, meaningful connections. In this blog, we’ll explore strategies to help […]
Traumatic Media May Be Impacting Your Mental Health
In today’s digital age, we are inundated with a constant stream of news, television shows, movies, and social media content that often depict traumatic events and distressing imagery. While consuming media can be entertaining and informative, it also has the potential to impact our mental health, particularly when it involves exposure to traumatic content. In […]
How to Tell if Trauma Therapy is Working
Trauma therapy is a crucial process for many individuals seeking to heal from the deep psychological wounds caused by traumatic experiences. Whether it’s through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or other therapeutic modalities, the goal is to alleviate the symptoms of trauma and help individuals reclaim their lives. But how can […]
Your Amygdala and PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It affects millions of people worldwide, leading to intense and debilitating symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. To understand PTSD and its treatment, it’s essential to explore the role of […]
Navigating Trauma with Mindfulness: A Path to Healing and Resilience
Trauma can leave deep emotional scars that impact every aspect of our lives. Whether it stems from a single devastating event or prolonged exposure to adversity, trauma can disrupt our sense of safety, stability, and well-being. While the journey toward healing may seem daunting, mindfulness offers a powerful tool for coping with trauma and reclaiming […]
Recognizing When Sadness Crosses Into Depression
Sadness is a natural emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Whether triggered by a disappointment, loss, or life’s challenges, feeling sad is a common human experience. However, when sadness lingers for an extended period and begins to interfere with daily functioning, it may be a sign of depression. Distinguishing between ordinary […]
Dealing with Toxic Family
Remember in the 90s when we had all kinds of sweet and heartwarming family T.V shows For example there was Family Matters, Full House and even Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The common theme surrounding these sitcoms is family integration and support. The Winslows were always there for each other and even provided love to […]
The Invisible Thread of Anxiety and Trauma
Trauma and anxiety tend to intertwine within each other According to the mind organization, Trauma is defined as the experience of a very stressful, frightening or distressing event that is difficult to cope with. As we know anxiety can be defined as excessive worry and it can be classified into different categories. Trauma and Anxiety […]
Why Am I Paranoid?
“You’re so paranoid!” Has anyone said that to you? Well, Paranoia is not something you joke about. Paranoia is a serious psychological diagnosis. So what is paranoia exactly? The Better Health Channel defines Paranoia as the “irrational and persistent feeling that people are ‘out to get you’ or that you are the subject of persistent, […]
Differences Between a Psychiatrist and Therapist
There comes a time when we need to see a mental health provider. Depending on your circumstance you may be in need of a Psychiatrist or even a mental health counselor. What’s the difference? Well for one it depends on what kind of services you are looking for. Not only that but each profession requires […]