PTSD and Complex PTSD: Healing is Possible!

Healing Trauma: Finding the Right Path for You

As we navigate the darkness of trauma and confront the experiences that have held us hostage, something new is revealed: a fresh way of responding, living, and loving.

When you’re dealing with the impacts of trauma, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and believe things will never improve. I know that feeling all too well. In my bestselling book, "Resolve to Rise: Become Greater than Your Circumstances," I emphasize the importance of moving through the pain to reach the other side--because there's no way around it. 

The Challenges of Healing Trauma

Even after years of counseling, certain situations and triggers left me feeling vulnerable, like healing would always be out of reach. My body responded with tension and a sense of self-defense, reinforcing patterns of emotional reactivity.

But I refused to give up. Over the past few years, I’ve explored several therapeutic approaches to minimize the impacts of trauma on my body and mind. Here’s what I’ve learned from these powerful interventions:

Epigenetic Counseling

Epigenetics taught me how generational patterns of love and boundaries shape our behavior. One transformative insight was that boundaries are not about keeping others out but about keeping yourself in.

I realized my instinct to withdraw from my mother wasn’t about fearing her actions, but about protecting myself from losing my identity while trying to care for her. This insight helped me lean into self-care and redefine my boundaries.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) 

Through IFS, I discovered that every part of me—especially the reactive and negative emotions—had a purpose and something important to share. Instead of suppressing these emotions, I learned to listen and attune to them.

This attunement revealed unmet needs and necessary boundaries in my relationships. Now, I honor my emotions and use them to guide self-care and assert my needs.

Network Spinal Analysis (Chiropractic) 

Network chiropractic helped me understand how trauma is stored in the body. Like an abused dog instinctively cowering, my body held patterns of tension that kept me in a subtle state of self-defense.

By learning to breathe into those spaces and release tension, I reestablished a natural flow in my nervous system. This shift aligned my spine, gave more integrity to my nervous system, and enabled me with resourcefulness, leaving the triggers behind.

Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback revealed how my brain remained stuck in fight-or-flight mode, with hyperactive high-frequency brain waves. Occasional dips into low frequencies mimicked sleep, but calming, reflective brainwaves were rarely online.

After several sessions, my brain learned to use calmer frequencies, breaking a lifetime of fight-or-flight reactivity. For the first time, I felt a sense of calm and began transforming my responses.

Find What Works for You

Each therapeutic approach I’ve explored has offered a new possibility for healing. The key is to listen to yourself. Even the most impressive evidence-based approaches, like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), can feel overwhelming if you’re not ready. What should be helpful might instead feel triggering, leaving you more distressed.

In those moments, it can be beneficial to start with interventions designed to help you feel more present in your body and increase your sense of safety. Approaches like trauma-sensitive yoga or somatic experiencing focus on grounding and restoring connection with yourself, laying the foundation for deeper healing work later.

This is why trusting your instincts is so important. If a particular method feels like too much, it probably is. Pay attention to what feels manageable and supportive, and give yourself permission to try different options. Healing is a journey, and finding the right fit takes time. 

If you’re unsure where to start, visit my website, Resolve to Rise, to explore various approaches to trauma healing.

Tips for Choosing the Right Professional

When seeking help, look for certified practitioners experienced in trauma-focused methods. Platforms like Psychology Today can help you find specialists, but be cautious. Many professionals claim trauma expertise without the necessary certifications or experience. Know what you’re looking for and advocate for your needs.

Need Guidance?

If you have questions about healing or finding the right approach, feel free to email me through my website.  

Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.



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