At some point in our past, we all have been guilty of responding in an insensitive manner. Our spoken words were not intended to hurt or criticize, and yet were hurtful and critical, nonetheless. In these moments, we often react defensively, not understanding how our s...

In years of research on child maltreatment (emotional, physical and sexual abuse, neglect), we have learned a very powerful lesson. Trauma can have a multigenerational impact that creates risks across generations. In this blog, we will explore some ways that trauma imp...

Many of us will make plans for a new start, including resolutions for the New Year. We will resolve to lose weight, have a different attitude, have better relationships, and engage in self-care practices. This is often based on our past accomplishments or adversity.  F...

The five main principles of trauma-informed care (TIC), as developed by (Fallot & Harris, 2006) are safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and choice. How might we use these principles with ourselves and our feelings?

It can be really common, particularly...

As we approach the winter holidays, we are all well  aware that the world around us can feel chaotic, scary, worrisome, and stressful.  These emotions and feeling states often conflict with the majority culture’s implicit and explicit emphasis on holiday cheer, happine...

In my clinical work I find that there are a few phrases that I tend to use over and over. One of my favorite things to say to parents and other caregivers goes something like: “I’m going to work with your child for one hour a week and I think we can do a lot of good in...

Approaching each day with general attitude of equanimity is something that I have found allows me to be a successful administrator and therapist.  I have been working in the behavioral health field for over ten years and the ability to approach tense times, overwhelmed...

When we look from a distance at someone who has suffered the death of a loved one, we usually think of that death as an event, a specific incident that happened at such-and-such date and time and place.

But that’s not how it works. Yes, there was a specific date when a...

In late September of 2009, I came to a critical decision point in my life. At that time in my life, I was a very unhappy father and husband, and I did not see a future. The decision that I was faced with was whether and how to tell my wife of 18 years that I wanted a d...

Veterans Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices made by all of the people who have served and are serving in all branches of the Armed Services. This recognition and celebration of Veterans happens around the country in big and small ways, by communiti...