Category: trauma
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Trauma-Informed Approaches to Engaging with the Deaf Community: A Guide for Hearing Allies
Joy Plote, LPC, CCTS I&F, CI/CT When we talk about trauma-informed care, we often think about how we approach individuals in therapy, education, or crisis settings. But what happens when we enter a community where trauma is not just personal—but collective, cultural, and linguistic? For many Deaf individuals, trauma is not just about one event.…
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Healing Without Talking: Why EMDR and Brainspotting Are Powerful Alternatives to Talk Therapy
When someone goes through a traumatic event, one of the hardest parts of recovery can be the idea of telling the story over and over again. Many people don’t want to relive the details. They don’t want to explain what happened. They just want one thing: to stop feeling the way they feel. This is…
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Understanding Complex PTSD: What You Need to Know
Trauma leaves deep imprints, but for some, the effects are more layered and enduring than what is typically described in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That’s where Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) comes in—a newer diagnosis that helps us better understand the impact of prolonged or repeated trauma. What is CPTSD? CPTSD was officially included in…
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Healing from Gaslighting: Key Steps for Recovery
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where the perpetrator seeks to make the victim doubt their perceptions, memories, and sanity. Whether experienced in personal relationships, at work, or within the family, it can leave deep emotional scars. Healing from gaslighting is essential to reclaim your sense of self and regain control over your life.…
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What is a Trauma Bond?
Trauma bonding refers to the intense emotional connection that develops between an individual and someone who is abusive, exploitative, or manipulative. These bonds are often created and reinforced through cycles of abuse, where moments of harm are interspersed with periods of kindness, affection, or remorse. This pattern creates confusion and a deep attachment to the…
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The Power of Trauma-Informed Friendships: What They Are and How to Foster Them
In a world where trauma impacts many lives, friendships can serve as a profound source of healing and support. But not all friendships are the same, and for those navigating the complexities of trauma, trauma-informed friendships stand out as a beacon of understanding and safety. These connections go beyond surface-level interactions, fostering empathy, trust, and…
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Supporting a Deaf Person Through Complex Trauma and PTSD
Supporting a Deaf loved one through Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) requires patience, understanding, and a trauma-informed approach that considers both their unique communication needs and the complexities of their experiences. PTSD and C-PTSD affect not only memory and perception but also emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. For Deaf individuals, trauma can…
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Understanding Self-Harm Beyond Physical Injury: A Look at Emotional Self-Punishment and Coping Mechanisms
When we think of self-harm, many people immediately picture physical injury — cutting, burning, or bruising. But self-harm isn’t always confined to these physical actions. It can take many forms, some of which might not be as obvious to others. Beyond the surface-level wounds, there are subtle but equally harmful behaviors that can significantly affect…
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The Power of Trauma Healing Therapies for the Deaf Community: Unlocking the Benefits of EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing
Trauma, particularly in the Deaf community, is often stored in ways that may not be fully understood or acknowledged by traditional therapies. Due to language and information deprivation, Deaf individuals, especially those with limited language abilities or cognitive delays, may experience trauma in ways that go beyond verbal memory. For these individuals, trauma often becomes…
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How EMDR Therapy Can Help Alleviate Fibromyalgia Symptoms: New Insights and Evidence
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, often accompanied by emotional distress like anxiety and depression. While medications can offer some relief, they often come with side effects and don’t always address the root causes of the condition. One exciting new approach gaining attention is Eye Movement Desensitization…
