The term "childhood trauma" may stir up different emotions in you. You might feel cautious in referring to your experiences with this label. Yes, childhood was not a happy time, but does it count as "traumatic?" On the other hand, you might feel clear about this label. You are aware that childhood sucked. There were …
Starting trauma therapy? Tips to support those initial fears
It's normal to feel a bit nervous when you're connecting with a new therapist especially when you're starting trauma therapy. This is the person you intend to tell your vulnerable history, and pray that they know what to do with all that information. The idea of opening up to share your lowest times can be …
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Considering trauma therapy? How to tell if EMDR is right for you
If you have been searching for trauma therapy, chances are that you have come across the term "EMDR". While there are many types of therapy that can address trauma, EMDR has become well known in the counselling world as being an excellent and fast option for processing difficult life events. But how do you know …
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Should I be concerned about PTSD?
If you have survived a traumatic experience, it's natural that you are feeling worried about how to proceed. You may have many concerns running through your mind: How long will I feel this way? Am I supposed to seek treatment? Is it normal for me to feel like this? Whether it's an unsettling birth experience, …
“They’d be better off without me”: Suicide and Postpartum Mental Health
"They'd be better off without me." "I can't do this. What am I doing here?" "How am I supposed to do this everyday for the rest of my life?" I hear sentences like these frequently in my work with postpartum parents. It is heartbreaking and I know that when someone gets to this place of …
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Working with unwanted feelings
When I am feeling anxious, unhappy or generally lousy, I hate the idea of mindfully noticing these unwanted feelings. There is intense resistance to "sitting with" or accepting my emotions. During these low moments, I have zero understanding or time for my feelings. My only goal is to get rid of them. I imagine many …
Understanding Birth Trauma
You've been patient, waited 9 months, and dealt with all of the aches, nausea and fatigue in order to get to your delivery date. You may have an ideal birth story in your mind; many of us do. Some parents imagine a specific atmosphere while delivering (e.g. support people around, delivering at home). Some parents …
Why am I feeling stuck in my trauma?
Even years after a traumatic experience, we can feel stuck in a place of emotional distress. In therapy, I noticed that many trauma survivors would struggle to find self-compassion. They would get caught in an endless loop of self-blame and resentment. Other clients were keen to begin therapy; however, they were easily overwhelmed once they …
What is EMDR therapy and how does it help my PTSD?
It's frustrating when you've been to therapy for many years and no amount of talking has truly helped you recover from traumatic events. While I practice CBT, DBT and other forms of traditional talk therapy, I have shifted my practice to focus heavily on EMDR to help process difficult memories that seem "stuck". EMDR therapy, …
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Understanding our Window of Tolerance
A few weeks ago, I wrote Why is everything harder after trauma? In continuing the conversation about trauma's shift to our nervous system, I came across this great little video that explains the window of tolerance in a very accessible way. For my fellow learners, I hope this piques your interest! For fellow parents, I …