Trauma healing is not only about symptom relief. It’s about reclaiming the self. This article explores a recent presentation for the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA): how EMDR therapy helps survivors reconstruct identity and move toward post-traumatic growth.

A Letter to the Woman Who is in an Abusive Relationship and Deciding Whether or Not to Leave... I’m writing to you with tenderness, truth, and zero judgment. Research shows that the average survivor leaves an abusive relationship 7–8 times before leaving for good. That’s not because they are weak. It’s because trauma bonds are real, coercive control is powerful, and abusers know exactly how to cycle between harm and “honeymoon” apologies to maintain control.

Domestic violence involves a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. The effects of domestic violence are far-reaching, impacting not only the victim but also families and communities.

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals and families around the world. Often hidden behind closed doors, it transcends demographics impacting people of all genders, ages, races, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Grief is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. It doesn’t follow a straight path or a timeline. It doesn’t look the same for everyone. And while it’s commonly associated with the death of a loved one, grief can stem from any significant loss, including a relationship ending, a major life transition, the loss of a job, a serious health diagnosis, or even a shift in personal identity.

Survivors are labeled as "disordered" for their understandable reactions to harm, while the individuals responsible for their trauma, the perpetrators, are far less likely to receive scrutiny or diagnoses for their actions. This disparity not only compounds the burden on survivors but also overlooks the significant damage caused by those who perpetuate abuse and trauma.