Relational Trauma Repair

If you’ve experienced relational trauma or suffer from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), treatment for these issues will likely involve a combination of different types of therapies. One particularly beneficial treatment is relational trauma repair, an experiential group therapy that uses specific exercises to teach emotional literacy and self- and co-regulation. Read More

The Body’s Reaction to Trauma

The American Psychological Association defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.” And while trauma is absolutely an emotional response, it is also inherently and powerfully physical. In fact, the physical response is often the very first response we have to trauma. Before our minds even know what is happening, our bodies instinctually react to threatening events. And while this can be a good and helpful response, there are times when our bodies hang on to the response for days, months, or even years. Read More

The Impact of Little “t” Traumas

Trauma is usually talked about in terms of big, life-altering events: the sudden death of a loved one, a natural disaster, a violent assault. In reality, trauma comes in all shapes and sizes, and while these big events are indeed traumatic, little events can be traumatic, too. Read More

Addressing Attachment Styles

Attachments are the basis of human connection. We form healthy or unhealthy attachments with others based on our experience of relationships and the world around us. Attachment issues in adults can stem from both early childhood and personal development; attachment issues in children are usually formed in infancy, though early childhood relationships can play a part as well. Understanding and addressing attachment styles can be helpful in addiction and mental health treatment, especially for young adults, who are formulating their identity and learning their place in the world. Read More

What Is Religious Trauma Syndrome?

What is religious trauma syndrome (RTS)? This is a term for the trauma disorder that develops as a result of suffering mental or physical abuse in religious environments or under the guise of religion. Because religion is often very personal and has a strong structure for authority, it has been used by certain individuals and communities as a means by which to wield power over others. Like toxic political or cultural systems, toxic religious systems can cause a great deal of personal and social harm. However, those who have survived this toxicity can recover, even to the point of rediscovering and thriving in healthy spiritual beliefs.  Read More

When Abuse Claims are Tried in Public

Considering how shockingly commonplace domestic abuse is, there’s probably a case, or a number of cases, being reviewed in court somewhere as you read this. Nearly 20 people every minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). That breaks down to more than 10 million women and men in any given year. While the bulk of these cases, and the resulting trials, won’t garner any special media coverage, millions were reminded how domestic abuse is no respecter of gender, income bracket, or celebrity status with the much-publicized Johnny Depp, Amber Heard trial. Read More

Combat Mental Health, Trauma, & Suicide

It may be shocking to discover that the deadliest threat to active U.S. military members and veterans is not combat — it’s suicide. The United Service Organizations (USO) and other organizations are taking steps to prevent suicide among our soliders, especially those who are at higher risk due to military trauma, stress, or mental health concerns. If you have a friend or family member who is a current or former member of the armed services, it’s important to know the risk factors and how you can help prevent tragic outcomes.  Read More

What Is Child Abuse and How Does It Affect Adulthood?

By Dr. Georgia Fourlas, LCSW, LISAC, CSAT-S Dr. Georgia Fourlas, LCSW, LISAC, CSAT-S Clinical Director of Workshops, Rio Retreat Center at The Meadows The Meadows specializes in treating trauma. Abuse is one form of trauma. Childhood trauma in adults that occurred because of child abuse is often overlooked as… Read More

Trauma Goes Mainstream

No longer a cultural taboo, there have been a number of celebrity mental health advocates who have opened up about their struggles so that others can feel less alone. Read More

Internal Family Systems: What Is It?

By Beau Black Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a treatment strategy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that helps people process inner trauma by identifying and embracing various inner “parts” of themselves. These parts, which Schwartz observed in psychotherapy sessions with his patients,… Read More