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

Breaking Down The Model: Part IV -Relational Problems and Recovery

In this last installment of Breaking Down The Model, we will explore Relational problems that have been caused by trauma, immaturity and secondary symptoms. Relational problems can stem from any extreme in any of The Core Issues, as well as from the secondary symptoms. In other words, due to trauma, immaturity and the secondary symptoms, we can develop relational problems. Let's explore each of the relational problems. Read More

Breaking Down the Model: Part II – Core Issues

By: Joyce Willis, MC, LPC In Part I of “Breaking Down the Model, the “Nature of the Child” column was discussed. We discussed the history of Pia Mellody’s Model of Developmental Immaturity and how it is incorporated into the Meadows Model and treatment at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare programs. We… Read More

Hyper- and Hypoarousal and Trauma

Fight, flight, or freeze. You’ve probably heard this phrase before, most likely referring to what humans do if we run into a bear or encounter an intruder in our home. You might even know, based on experience, which one you’re most likely to do in a stressful situation. 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

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

Complex Trauma: The 3 Phases of Recovery

By Beau Black Complex trauma is a term used for repeated, chronic emotional pain or abuse, often suffered in childhood or adolescence. It can cause long-term problems that are similar in some ways, but distinct in others, from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and also from “regular” trauma. But there… Read More