This post is the second in a 2-part series – read part 1 here. Trauma occurs when something happens too fast, too soon, or is too much for an individual’s nervous system, and the person is unable to return to a sense of safety and support following the experience. Religious trauma is trauma that has […]
Hurricane Helene & Religious Trauma Read More »
Western North Carolina experienced flooding of unimaginable proportions from Hurricane Helene at the end of September 2024. This is an area of the state that was never supposed to deal with hurricane-related natural disasters. Yet, many folks are still without power and water 3 weeks out from the disaster. Some have been told they may
Natural Disasters, Mental Health, & Religious Trauma Read More »
I was recently invited to be a guest on the You Need a Counselor Podcast. This podcast is the work of Heart and Solutions, located in Iowa, and is designed for folks who are curious about counseling but may have barriers that prevent them from experiencing the benefits of working with a counselor. In my
FEATURED: You Need a Counselor Podcast Read More »
Religious harm – injury that has a root in religious systems, beliefs, or practices – can take many forms. Some folks experience physical or sexual harm that is perpetrated by religious leaders or defended by religious beliefs. For some, the harm takes the form of spiritual abuse where words or actions are utilized in a
What’s Gender Got To Do With It? (Religious Trauma Edition) Read More »
Grief is the response you have to the loss of something or someone important to you. Grief may include intense emotional pain, a sense of anguish, questioning, rage, and any variety of other responses too numerous to list. Sometimes grief is expected – perhaps at the death of an elderly family member. Sometimes grief comes
The Complexity of Grief Read More »
I recently went on a short vacation to Niagara Falls. Seeing the natural beauty and the powerful force of the water was soothing to my nervous system. It was a much-needed break, and I am thankful to have the privilege of escaping the day-to-day world for a bit. Yet, weight stigma wasn’t something I could
No Vacation for Weight Stigma Read More »
Periods. Aunt Flo. Riding the crimson tide. On the rag. Time of the month. No matter what you call it, menstruation affects us all. Menstrual cycles directly impact approximately half the population for a significant portion of their lifetime. The biology of menstruation allows people to be born, which was a significant event for anyone
Taking the Mystery Out of Menstruation Read More »
Do social media influencers have a responsibility to their followers? A responsibility for the impact of their messaging and posts? A responsibility to avoid harming those who follow their pages and trust their opinions? More specifically, do influencers who have been prominent in the body positivity movement have any responsibility regarding their messaging if they
Do Influencers Have a Responsibility to Their Followers? Read More »
Mental health is something we all have. Yet, far too often, mental health is only thought about when someone is struggling. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you’re thinking, “wow, there is a month for everything!” I agree. I’m also glad that these types of emphases exist in order to bring more attention to
Mental Health Resources Read More »
April is Autism Awareness Month, or Autism Acceptance Month. Maybe a bit of both? Both mental health professionals and society as a whole are becoming more aware of autism. More aware of the many ways that autistic folks may show up in the world. More aware of what autism is like for the person experiencing
Autism Awareness Month Read More »
