In the past trauma was considered an event... something that happened to you.  This is obviously still true but doesn’t tell the whole story.  Trauma is now defined as an event that overwhelms the brain's ability to adapt to it.  It is more than just the event, it is that individual's reaction, the meaning that is made and the way it is stored in the brain.

Delve into the Repetition Compulsion phenomenon with me, examining how ingrained patterns affect our lives and relationships. Discover effective treatments and self-awareness strategies, taking the first step toward understanding and breaking free from unproductive cycles.

The connection between trauma and dissociation often goes unnoticed, but it can have a huge impact on a person's life

Learn about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and how this psychotherapy can be utilized to combat the stressors of traumatic memories.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) comes from a study done by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente back in 1998. It is a very short screening tool and measures several areas of abuse, neglect, and household struggles in childhood.  The screen is still used today because of the shocking results of that past study. 

There are as many ways to trigger you out of your window of tolerance as there are ways to guide you back in.  What is most important is the awareness that you are outside of your window.  Becoming more aware of your body sensations, thoughts, and feelings is a crucial first step.

There are many factors that influence how trauma impacts wellbeing. Some of those are age, level of trauma, and duration. Resilience factors will also apply (relationship with caring adults, self-regulation, problem-solving skills.). It is now widely understood that the experience of trauma has far-reaching effects on overall wellbeing.