Your Autonomic Nervous System apprenticeship starts here. Veterans, children who have experienced abuse or neglect, and others who have suffered single event trauma are often left with emotional and psychological scars. Despite decades of effort, there are no clear-cut answers about how to heal them.Pills, talk therapy, and support groups help some people but not … Continue reading How to bring safety to the body after trauma
Trauma and that ‘soul feeling’
Image: "Soul" via Pixar Childhood trauma has been a hot topic for discussion in the psychological world since Dr. Stephen Porges and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk dropped their body-based theories in the 1990s. While traditional talk (cognitive) modalities were able to effectively address many mental and emotional health challenges, somatic psychologists believed they could … Continue reading Trauma and that ‘soul feeling’
Safety: The antidote to “bad” behaviour
Many adoptive and foster caregivers find themselves confronted with behaviours that impact daily life—not being able to get out of bed in the morning, throwing things, hoarding food, violence and abuse, sexually acting out, emotionally short-fused, or flat-lined. It is no surprise caregivers seek out mental health professionals to "fix" the behaviours. Psychotherapist and co-author … Continue reading Safety: The antidote to “bad” behaviour
Overcoming the codependency / narcissism dynamic
Have you ever had a child who made a mess and, when challenged, denies it—even if the evidence lies on his face or hands? He tells the obvious lie because he is unsure what the outcome will be. The false story is borne out of feelings of vulnerability (primarily, emotions of fear and/or shame). Codependency … Continue reading Overcoming the codependency / narcissism dynamic
Kensho vs. Satori
No, these are not Samurai warriors. But there is real strength to be found in understanding these Japanese concepts originating from the Zen tradition. What exactly then is Kensho and Satori? Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, the founder of the Agape International Spiritual Centre in Los Angeles, talks about two different paths to life growth. Kensho … Continue reading Kensho vs. Satori
Sleep: A little death
Why do you wake up in the morning? What energizes you to come out of bed and start the day? Or, what do you do in the morning after you wake up to put yourself in a positive mood to start the day? Many people have a difficult time waking up in the morning. Usually … Continue reading Sleep: A little death
Another year? My, how you have grown!
The remaining days of 2018 can be difficult to bear for caregivers of children with histories of early trauma. This is the time when we are supposed to reflect on what has happened over the course of the year, recognizing the successes and wins, as well as look forward to the future through resolutions and … Continue reading Another year? My, how you have grown!
Christmas: The gift of attention
Christmas. How did we get from a celebration that began in a lowly manger to filling our homes with decorations, gifts, and excess? How has this religious day eclipsed all others when it comes to effort, time and spending; where it seems that no matter what we do, it is not enough? It’s time to … Continue reading Christmas: The gift of attention
