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Showing posts from September, 2025

What is Trauma?

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  When we hear the word trauma , many of us think of extreme events — combat, natural disasters, or violence. But the truth is, trauma touches far more lives than we realize, and its impact can take many forms. This week’s Resolve to Rise series explored the question: What is trauma, and how does it affect us? Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know. Who Experiences Trauma? Trauma doesn’t discriminate — it touches almost all of us. Globally, about 70% of people will experience a traumatic event during their lifetime ( Benjet et al., 2016 ). In the U.S., it’s closer to 9 out of 10   of clients in public behavioral health  ( SAMHSA , 2014 )  Traumatic experiences know no limits — not gender, age, culture, or income. And it’s not only about military service . Trauma can touch anyone, anywhere. If you think you've been impacted by a traumatic experience , you’re not alone.   Continue Reading

Resolve to Rise: Bring Beauty from Brokenness

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  When people ask me why the symbol of Resolve to Rise is a bowl, my answer comes from an ancient Japanese art form called kintsugi . In kintsugi, broken pottery is repaired with gold. The cracks aren’t hidden — they’re highlighted. The belief is simple and profound: when something has been broken, it can be put back together in a way that celebrates its story and as a result is stronger, more beautiful, and even more valuable than before. That, to me, is what healing from trauma looks like. We don’t erase the past. We honor it. And when we do, we don’t just survive — we rise. Continue Reading