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 […]
Is it Anxiety or Trauma? How to Tell the Difference
The Trauma or Anxiety Whack-a-mole You’ve probably typed “Do I have anxiety?” into a search bar before. Just me? Because I sure have! Maybe your heart races, your thoughts spin, or you find yourself restless and on edge. Anxiety is one of the most common struggles. And yet, what looks like anxiety on the surface […]
When Breathwork Backfires – Why It’s Not Always Safe for Trauma Recovery
The Breath of Life – Or a Breath That Feels Like Death? Breathwork is often talked about as helpful, and for good reason. Deep breathing exercises, often called breathwork, and somatic practices that emphasize the breath can absolutely help many people calm their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies, and find peace. But what happens […]