Connect. Repair. Heal.

What do all these acronyms mean and do any apply to me?

PTSD is a nervous system state where survival is prioritized over connection and the nervous system continues to prioritize survival long after the triggering event ended. It is not uncommon for adult survivors of trauma to come to therapy later in life seeking support for something that in time occured long ago, but the body continues to respond as if it's happening now. 

C-PTSD is different in that the triggering event or string of events originates in a person's early childhood. The "C" stands for complex, meaning that someone who was meant to care and protect us by way of their relation to us, instead was the person doing harm. 

PTG refers to the psychological struggle that ensues when grappling with PTSD or C-PTSD. It is a time of great change, where our core beliefs about ourselves and the world are challenged. Through this struggle we gain a sense of personal growth which contributes to positive shifts in our lives. We may feel stronger, both mentally and emotionally, our relationships improve in new ways, possibilities open up and an appreciation of life and even spiritual change emerge. 

If 70% of the world population experiences traumatic events. how then do we carry these events into our intimate and sexual relationships and even into our family systems? Half of all women and a quarter of all men experience sexual violence. While gathering data is sometimes difficult, there is data that people within the LGBTQ community experience sexual violence at the same or higher rates than cis-gender and heteronormative people. This means a large portion of us are contending with overwhelming histories at the same time as navigating relationships with loved ones, whether as a parent, partner, sibling, friend or community member.

Relationships are meant to be a place of refuge and when there is a history of relational harm, relationships can feel (and be) quite threatening at times. How we have learned to adapt in the face of traumatic experiences early on, 

Perinatal mental health focuses on pregnant individuals, new parents, and their families, addressing the unique challenges that arise during this transformative time. I am trained through PostPartum Support International in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders to provide assessment and treatment of perinatal mood disorders. 

Teens and young adults are at a pivotal time of their lives which presents its own unique opportunities for growth and challenges. Having a third party, caring and trusted adult at this time aids in you becoming the conscious, active driver of your own life versus an unconscious, passive passenger.