Plans Are a Good Thing When faced with challenges, it helps to have a plan. Identifying current triggers and preparing to address them proactively can create a more supportive and understanding environment. Sharing concerns with therapists and other professionals allows for more informed responses based on compassion, grace, and love. When Feeling Angry Ask Yourself… Continue reading When Feeling Angry Ask Yourself These Things
Tag: trauma
The Body Keeps the Score
The Body Keeps the Score: How Unresolved Trauma Manifests Physically We often think of trauma as something that exists only in the mind—something we can push down, lock away, and move past if we just “get over it.” But the truth is, trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts; it takes root in our bodies.… Continue reading The Body Keeps the Score
Not All Scars Can Be Seen
Not All Scars Can Be Seen Not All Scars Can Be Seen Scars tell stories. Some are visible, etched into our skin as reminders of battles fought and wounds healed. Others, though, remain hidden as they carve deep into our hearts and minds, shaping us in ways the world cannot see but are just as real.… Continue reading Not All Scars Can Be Seen
What is a Traumaversary?
What is a Traumaversary? A traumaversary is the anniversary of some sort of trauma in your life. It can be from a deployment, abuse, car accident, traumatic pregnancy/birth, house fires, neglect... the list can go on and on. You aren't obsessing over all the bad things that happened in your life. It is simply something… Continue reading What is a Traumaversary?
You Are Capable
You Are Capable You are capable of doing all things when Jesus is by your side. People often tell me that they do not know who they are anymore due to the amount of trauma that has occurred in their lives. It is my pleasure to tell them that they are not only capable of… Continue reading You Are Capable
When the Silence is Deafening
When the Silence is Deafening When silence becomes deafening, emotions can shift from moment to moment. Some days, it feels like they change by the minute. Lately, the silence has been so loud that I can’t hear myself think. It’s like when my aunt can’t smell anything because the noise around her is too overwhelming—strange,… Continue reading When the Silence is Deafening
In the Still of the Night The Monster Comes to Play
The Monster in the Silence I love the time of day when I can go upstairs and just be. For the day, I am done. I am done with work, cooking, cleaning, putting out fires, phone calls, texts, and all the other things that demand my attention. My stuff, a bottle of water, and my… Continue reading In the Still of the Night The Monster Comes to Play
Psychogenic Itching
Psychogenic Itching: What It Is and How It Affects Us Yes, Psychogenic itching is a real thing, and I didn’t even realize that was what was happening to me until recently. As a therapist, I am constantly learning—whether through trainings, observing other therapists, from clients, or personal experiences. A few years ago, I tried… Continue reading Psychogenic Itching
Breathing in Hope as I Navigate Rough Waters
Breathing in Hope as I Navigate Rough Waters The past few years have been filled with so many challenges that it's difficult to even begin to describe everything I've been through. I was talking with my therapist recently, and she often asks me, "What would you tell your client?" For me, answering that is easy:… Continue reading Breathing in Hope as I Navigate Rough Waters
The Ghost from Juneteenth Past
The Ghost from Juneteenth Past Trigger warning If you or someone you know has struggled with suicidal ideations or attempts, please refrain from reading this content. Seek help! "Today, “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental… Continue reading The Ghost from Juneteenth Past
What is Reactive Attachment Disorder?
What is Reactive Attachment Disorder? What is Reactive Attachment Disorder? RAD is a condition in which individuals have difficulty forming loving, lasting relationships. Let me tell you; this is HARD. Seemingly, on the outside, things look great. However, at home, it is like living in a nightmare. Sadly, this is a nightmare you do not ever… Continue reading What is Reactive Attachment Disorder?
LA Came in Like a Tornado
LA Came in Like a Tornado Ten years ago, I met a brassy blond girl at a ballpark. She had a crass mouth and a nasty smoking habit. She was loud and obnoxious. A person people moved away from when they saw her. She did not dress the part, talk the part, and certainly did… Continue reading LA Came in Like a Tornado
Lockup: Extended Stay
Lockup: Extended Stay A note from Brandi:This guest post discusses mental health hospitalization, trauma, anxiety, depression, and seeking help during a difficult season. It is shared with permission for awareness, support, and suicide prevention. If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to… Continue reading Lockup: Extended Stay
Healing Through Anger
A note from Brandi:This guest post discusses childhood abuse, trauma, anger, fear, sadness, and forgiveness. It is shared with permission and reflects the personal experience and perspective of the writer. It is offered for awareness, encouragement, and education. It is not therapy, clinical advice, legal advice, or a substitute for professional care. Healing Through Anger… Continue reading Healing Through Anger
Three Words I Can Say Could Make You Hate Me
A note from Brandi:This guest post is shared with permission and reflects the personal experience and perspective of the writer. It discusses identity, family dynamics, emotional neglect, fear of rejection, trauma, self-discovery, and acceptance. It is offered for awareness, encouragement, and education. It is not therapy, clinical advice, or a substitute for professional care. A… Continue reading Three Words I Can Say Could Make You Hate Me
How to Separate the Good Mom from the Bad Mom
A note from Brandi:This guest post discusses childhood abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, family pain, emotional wounds, and trauma connected to a mother-daughter relationship. It is shared with permission and reflects the personal experience and perspective of the writer. It is offered for awareness, encouragement, and education. It is not therapy, clinical advice, legal advice, crisis… Continue reading How to Separate the Good Mom from the Bad Mom
A Letter to Myself
A note from Brandi:This guest post discusses childhood abuse, parentification, self-blame, eating and body distress, emotional exhaustion, trauma, and crisis-level hopelessness. It is shared with permission and reflects the personal experience and perspective of the writer. It is offered for awareness, encouragement, and education. It is not therapy, clinical advice, crisis care, medical advice, or… Continue reading A Letter to Myself
The Dark Days
A note from Brandi:This guest post discusses depression, trauma, medication, therapy, isolation, emotional darkness, and mental health struggles. It is shared with permission and reflects the personal experience and perspective of the writer. It is offered for awareness, encouragement, and education. It is not therapy, clinical advice, crisis care, or a substitute for professional support.… Continue reading The Dark Days
Powerful Note to Self
A note from Brandi:This guest post discusses sexual abuse, trauma, self-blame, implicit memory, fear, and healing after betrayal by someone who should have been safe. It is shared with permission and reflects the personal experience and perspective of the writer. It is offered for awareness, encouragement, and education. It is not therapy, clinical advice, legal… Continue reading Powerful Note to Self
I Should Have Known
I Should Have Known I should have known something wasn’t right When you told me you loved me for the first time And I didn’t say it back I should have known something was up. When I couldn’t stand the fact that you wrote me love letters Or when you posted love stuff… Continue reading I Should Have Known