Dysregulation Toolkit Life sometimes stacks itself into heavy weeks where the nervous system sprints from one alarm to the next. When that happens, most of us try to push through, only to find our focus fades and our bodies tighten. This conversation invites a slower, kinder approach: grounded awareness paired with small, repeatable actions that […]
When it Doesn’t Feel Right: How to Recognize Teen Dating Violence
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 […]
Why Healing Feels Worse Before it Feels Better (and Why That’s Not Failure)
One of the most confusing—and discouraging—parts of healing from trauma is this: You finally start doing the work, and instead of feeling better, you feel worse at first. You feel more emotional, more tired, more tender. Sometimes you also feel more angry, sad, or overwhelmed than before. That can feel super frustrating when what […]
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 […]
Why Mindfulness Practice Matters for Trauma Healing
Many people try mindfulness practice and feel worse, not better. They sit still, notice their heart race or their thoughts go willy nilly, and decide they’re failing. The truth is so much kinder (and more accurate): your nervous system is doing its job. When you’ve lived with chronic stress, abuse, or ongoing uncertainty, your body […]