The holidays are often seen as a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and connection. But for many of us, it can also bring feelings of loneliness and sadness, making this season more challenging than cheerful. While some people are surrounded by loved ones, others might feel left out, struggling to navigate the emotional weight…
Human lives are intricately woven together by the stories we tell ourselves and share with others. Within us, there resides a profound desire to find meaning, to make sense of the intricate tapestry of our lives and the relationships we hold dear. Foundationally, we are meaning-making beings, and it is through the sharing of stories,…
Have you ever felt the transformative and healing power of creativity? Whether it’s painting a beautiful landscape, jotting down your thoughts in a journal, or losing yourself in the rhythm of music, creative expression has an incredible ability to touch us and stir emotions within us. And did you know that these forms of art…
Trauma triggers can be a challenging experience for anyone who has gone through a traumatic event. Whether it’s the sound of a car backfiring, a smell that reminds you of the traumatic memory, or seeing a person who was involved, triggers can be both sudden and entirely unexpected. When triggered, intense feelings of anxiety, flashbacks,…
Emotions are always out there waiting in the wings to visit us, whether we are ready or willing. You may be astonished at how many emotional states there are, and how regularly they visit us. Research shows that we typically experience 35 to 50 emotions as we go through each day. We humans are capable…
By Dr. Kate Truitt In June 2009 after being together with a man for 10 years, I returned home late at night from my bachelorette party to unexpectedly and devastatingly find that my fiancé had collapsed, and I could not make him breathe. One week later, our wedding guests became funeral guests, and our wedding…
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During the past month, a tsunami has been unleashed into the streets of our nation. May we dare to say, dream, that this time and this wave are different? This time, it seems this wave is not made of water, and…
Roughly 70% of adults will experience some type of traumatic experience at least once in their lives. 33% of children and youth will be exposed to violence within their community that will cause them to experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). For years, doctors have looked for better, more effective ways of dealing with trauma.…
For people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), one of the hardest symptoms to deal with is flashbacks. Not only can they cause dramatic physical reactions, but they can also make the sufferer believe that they are experiencing the cause of their PTSD all over again. But how does this happen? And is there…
The process of getting over trauma in one’s life can be long and challenging. But trauma can also inspire us to take stock of our own value. By recognizing how we have discounted ourselves and avoided tending to our needs, we may find the strength and courage it takes to change our lives for the…