Teen Dating Violence Most people don’t often think about teen dating violence. Heck they may never think about it at all! Teen dating is often framed as awkward, dramatic, or something you’re supposed to just “get through.” Crushes, breakups, and big feelings are considered part of growing up. And while some emotional intensity is normal […]
What Spiritual Abuse Is (and What it Isn’t)
Spiritual Abuse Defined The phrase spiritual abuse is being used more often, which is helpful and also can be complicated. It’s helpful, because many people have been harmed in the name of God and finally have language for their experience. Putting language to trauma helps us reengage our prefrontal cortex (the front thinky thinky part […]
Romance Fiction Red Flags: Unpacking Harmful Tropes in Fictional Love Stories (Part 1)
Written by Gwen Soat, LCMHCA Romance Fiction – Part 1 Falling in love through romance fiction is a common pastime for many creatives and story-lovers alike. We read of star-crossed lovers defying the odds, of enemies-to-lovers who choose each other despite their flaws, and friends who find each other to be so much more. Fictional […]
The Healing Power of Whole-person Counseling for Trauma
Why Whole-person Counseling for Trauma Did you know that nearly 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime? While not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will be traumatized, when you are it it can leave a deep wound. When trauma goes unaddressed it leads to to […]
Grooming in Adulthood: How It Shows Up in Love, Friendship, and Work
By Gwen Soat, LCMHCA Grooming in Adulthood When we think about grooming, we often picture child victims and adult perpetrators. But grooming isn’t limited to children; it’s also a key factor in the abuse many adults experience. It can sometimes be difficult to separate genuine kindness from coercive tactics, just like it is with childhood […]