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Showing posts with the label thriving

Grow a New MIND garden - it is worth the work!

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  I used to think as a therapist that getting people to the space of healing was a destination. That at some point, the person would have a moment, like walking up to a mountaintop, where the pain would vanish, and the view would be clear. That is a false hope! Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash The true way to see self-healing is as hard work. Healing is more like tending a garden in soil that's hard, uncared for, abandoned, and weed-filled. We bought a new house and found a lot of sand and stones where our garden needed to grow. I would have easily said, "No, we'll just buy from the farmer's market!" But, one must first decide to do the work, and that can be very intimidating. My wife said we could do it, and we DID! Watching that sand transform into a thin garden in year one, then a lush garden in year two and beyond, the connection hit me hard: this is what I've been doing with people for over 24 years. Therapy is much like tending this garden. Initially, ...

Understanding Trauma Event Vs Trauma Response

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  What is a Trauma event(s) A traumatic event is an incident that causes physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological harm. It is an event that leave a person feeling threatened, frightened, or overwhelmed. Examples include accidents, natural disasters, violence, abuse, or witnessing a distressing event. It is triggers the human Fight or Flight which response to the maximum that often leaves a person stuck int fight, flight or freeze mode, this can trigger the trauma response system (TRS). What is a Trauma Response? Trauma responses refer to the psychological, emotional, and physical reactions individuals may experience after encountering a traumatic event. This is a human defense system! The trauma response system (TRS) allows humans to survive horrible event(s) including accidents, abuse, violence, loss, natural disasters and long term trauma exposure. Once your trauma response system is activated it can fail to stop protecting you long after the trauma event(s) are...

Understanding ADHD in Adults

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  Understanding ADHD in Adults What is ADHD? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental issue that typically manifests in childhood and most of the time continues into adulthood. Though often characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, adults with ADHD may experience additional challenges like disorganization, difficulty with time management, and challenges in maintaining relationships and employment. Key Symptoms of Adult ADHD •     Inattention : Difficulty sustaining focus, forgetfulness, being overwhelmed, and frequent errors in work or other activities. •    Hyperactivity : Restlessness, feeling “on the go,” need for new stimuli, and difficulty relaxing. •    Impulsivity : Difficulty waiting for things to happen, interrupting others, not fully listening to others, others feeling dismissed by you, and making hasty decisions. Impacts of ADHD in Adulthood ADHD can affect various aspect...

Healing from Trauma: Embracing Forgiveness and Thriving

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Trauma is a powerful force that can leave deep emotional wounds in its wake. The journey to healing from trauma is often challenging and complex, but it is possible to find solace and move forward. In this blog post, we will explore the transformative power of forgiveness and how it can assist in the process of not just surviving but thriving after experiencing trauma.  Understanding Trauma Before exploring the healing process, it is essential to clearly understand what trauma involves. Trauma can present itself in various forms, including physical, emotional, or psychological abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one. Its effects can be enduring and profoundly impactful, influencing every aspect of a person's life. The Power of Forgiveness Forgiveness can be difficult to embrace, especially after traumatic experiences. However, it holds immense power in the healing journey. Forgiveness does not imply condoning or forgetting the actions that caused the trauma;...