If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” feel things more deeply than others, or get overwhelmed more easily, you’re not alone—and there is nothing wrong with you. You may be a highly sensitive person (HSP). High sensitivity is not a flaw or diagnosis. It’s a biologically based trait that affects how your nervous system takes in and processes the world. Highly sensitive people make up about 15–20% of the population. You’re wired to notice more, feel more, and process

A compassionate look at what healing truly involves Childhood trauma leaves an imprint that often becomes clearer only in adulthood. You may notice patterns in relationships, emotions that feel out of proportion, or a persistent sense that something inside you doesn’t quite feel settled. These experiences can be confusing — especially when you’ve worked hard to build a stable life. Therapy offers a place to make sense of these patterns with gentleness and clarity. Healing chi

Virtual therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home. Hello, dear reader. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re considering seeking support through therapy, and that’s a brave and wonderful step. Reaching out for help can feel daunting—sometimes even scary—but it’s also one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. Today, I want to share why seeking therapy is so important and offer gentle, practical ways to take that next step. Why Reaching Ou

Mental wellbeing is a crucial aspect of our overall health. It influences how we think, feel, and behave in our daily lives. Fostering mental wellbeing is essential to living a happy and fulfilling life. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of mental wellbeing, its key components, and practical strategies for improving our mental health. What Is Mental Wellbeing? Mental wellbeing refers to a state of mental health where individuals feel good and function effectivel

If you've ever found yourself bending over backward to please others, even when it’s inconvenient for you, you're definitely not alone. This tendency to prioritize others’ needs can often point to deeper issues, particularly Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). In this post, we’ll take a closer look at people pleasing, its connection to CPTSD, and how you can work through it in a constructive way. What is People Pleasing? People pleasing is a behavior where you go

Guilt. A familiar, often unwelcome feeling that can range from a mild twinge of regret to a crippling sense of inadequacy. While it's a normal human emotion, for adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, guilt can become a persistent and pervasive problem, deeply intertwined with the trauma they've experienced. This blog post delves into the complexities of guilt, its connection to CPTSD, and how survivors can begin to navigate and heal from its grip. Understanding G

Shame is a profound and often misunderstood emotion. Unlike guilt, which is typically related to specific actions, shame strikes at the very core of a person’s identity, making them feel inherently flawed or unworthy. This deep-seated sense of inadequacy can be particularly pronounced in individuals with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), a condition that arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, usually occurring during critical developmental periods in childhoo

We live in a world of constant demands, deadlines, and pressures. Stress is a ubiquitous companion, and for many, it manifests as anger. But for adult survivors of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and childhood abuse and neglect, the relationship between stress and anger is often more profound, more complex, and more deeply rooted. This post explores the crucial role of stress management in effectively managing anger, specifically for those navigating the aft

We all have an inner compass, a quiet voice whispering guidance within. It's that gut feeling, that intuition, that whispers a truth even when logic seems to contradict it. But for some, this inner wisdom has been muted, silenced by past experiences, particularly childhood trauma. This post explores how to reconnect with your inner voice and trust your gut, even if it's been buried beneath layers of doubt and fear. The Silenced Voice: A Story of Lost Intuition Imagine a you

In the intricate layers of human emotions, shame often stands out as one of the most complex and potent threads. It's that inner voice whispering, or sometimes shouting, "You're not good enough!", Something is wrong with you!", making you feel deeply unworthy. Yet, in the journey towards mental wellness, understanding and overcoming shame can be a profound step towards healing. We all experience shame, whether it's about a past mistake, a perceived inadequacy, or a fear of ju

Understanding Anxiety: A Warm Guide to Its Many Faces and How Childhood Experiences Shape Them If you've ever felt your heart race unexpectedly, your mind spiral with worries, or a sudden wave of panic wash over you, you're not alone. Anxiety is a common experience, but it can take many forms, each with its own story and struggles. Today, I want to share a heartfelt look into the different types of anxiety, what they feel like, how they can be treated, and how our childhood e

The Unexpected Plateau Sarah had been attending therapy for six months, committed to uncovering the root causes of her anxiety. She'd poured her heart out in sessions, explored painful childhood memories, and practiced new coping mechanisms. Yet, lately, things felt...stuck. The anxiety was still there, sometimes even worse. Was therapy truly helping, or was she just spinning her wheels? This is a common question, and one many people grapple with as they navigate the oft

Decoding the Silent Scars: Emotional Abuse, CPTSD, and Your Mental Health For CPTSD survivors, the impact of emotional abuse can be profound and deeply unsettling. It's not just about the overt actions; it's the insidious erosion of self-worth, the constant fear of judgment, and the gnawing feeling that you're fundamentally flawed. This blog post delves into the complex relationship between emotional abuse, CPTSD, and mental health, offering insights and strategies for heal

Is My Therapist a Good Match? How to Know You’ve Found Your Therapy Soulmate So, you've decided to start therapy—awesome! But now comes the big question: *Is my therapist the right fit for me?* It’s kind of like dating, but instead of swiping right or left, you’re trying to find someone who actually gets you, respects your quirks, and helps you feel safe enough to unpack your deepest, darkest stuff. No pressure, but finding a good therapist is a lot like finding a good pair o

Anger & Anxiety: A Close Connection to CPTSD from Childhood Abuse and Neglect Anger and anxiety are two incredibly common emotions, but they often exist in a complex and intertwined relationship, especially for individuals with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) stemming from childhood abuse and neglect. Understanding this connection is crucial for healing and developing healthy coping mechanisms. The Tightrope Walk of Anger and Anxiety Anger and anxiety, while s

A shamed woman. backlit, reinforcing how lonely and isolating shame and guilt can be in trauma recovery. Trauma. It's a word that can conjure up images of horrific events, and the emotional aftermath can be just as devastating. One of the most insidious effects of trauma is the lingering weight of guilt and shame. These feelings can feel overwhelming, making it hard to move forward and reclaim your life. But it's crucial to understand that these feelings are a *response*

Today, I want to gently explore a topic that touches many lives but isn’t always talked about openly: the deep connection between the brain, chronic illness, and trauma. If you or someone you love is navigating a long-term health challenge, you might find comfort in knowing that your experiences are part of a bigger story—one that involves not just the body, but also the mind and heart. Let’s take a warm, honest look at how past trauma can influence chronic illness, how the b

It can be incredibly challenging when your partner doesn't understand your trauma. Trauma can have a profound impact on a person's life and having a partner who doesn't grasp the depth of your experiences can be frustrating and isolating, right?  It feels like they're not listening, or worse, like they're minimizing your experience. Ok, Let's start off with a little story--one that is all too common in intimate relationships where one partner just doesn't seem to understand.

Trauma is an experience that can have profound and long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual well-being. Whether it stems from childhood abuse, neglect, violence, loss, or other distressing events, trauma can shape how a person perceives the world, interacts with others, and manages everyday life. Recognizing the pervasive impact of trauma has led to the development of trauma-informed care—an approach that emphasizes safety, empow