Best Treatments for PTSD: What Works and Why Some Approaches Can Make Symptoms Worse Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ) can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of life—from relationships to daily functioning. Fortunately, research has identified several evidence-based treatments that have been shown to help individuals process trauma and reclaim their lives. However, if you’ve ever started PTSD treatment only to find your symptoms getting worse, you’re not alone. Some of the most proven therapies for PTSD can actually increase distress before leading to improvement. So, why does this happen? And what can you do if these treatments feel overwhelming? Let’s break it down. Continue Reading... 

Growing up in a highly disciplined or authoritarian household can shape how we navigate life in profound ways. Some individuals internalize the rules and norms they were raised with, following them without question, while others react against them, defining themselves by opposition rather than genuine personal values. In both cases, our upbringing continues to exert control over us, whether through obedience or defiance. For many, this strict upbringing is more than just discipline—it can be a misuse of parental power stemming from fear, unresolved trauma, or a need for control. Authoritarian parenting often leaves children feeling powerless, constantly seeking approval, or rebelling in ways that still tie them to the very system they reject. This can mirror patterns of emotional abuse , where a parent’s unchecked fears and insecurities dictate the environment, shaping a child's sense of self-worth and autonomy. Many people walk through life on autopilot, unaware of how much they ...

The Weight of Unhealed Trauma Healing from chronic stress and PTSD isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about breaking free from patterns that keep us stuck. If you’ve ever struggled with shame, self-doubt, or the feeling that healing is impossible , you’re not alone. Shame often creeps in when we start doing the hard work of healing. It tells us we’re too broken, too flawed, too unworthy to truly change. It makes the weight of trauma heavier and, for many, leads to self-sabotage, avoidance, and giving up. But here’s the truth: You are not broken. You are not beyond healing. You have already survived, and that means you have the strength to move forward. That’s where the GRACE framework comes in—a foundation for navigating healing without shame, self-criticism, or perfectionism. Continue Reading... 

  What is Dissociation? Dissociation is a common trauma response , especially when trauma is repetitive or overwhelming. In the moment, it serves as a survival mechanism—your brain protects you by mentally “checking out” when a situation feels too intense to process. While this response can be helpful during a traumatic event, the problem arises when dissociation continues long after the danger is gone . It can leave you feeling: Zoned out or disconnected from emotions Like you’re watching yourself from the outside (depersonalization) As if your surroundings aren’t real (derealization) This isn’t a defect or something “wrong” with you—it’s your brain doing exactly what it was designed to do: keep you safe. The challenge is learning how to gently reconnect with your body and mind in ways that feel safe and supportive. Continue Reading...