Scientists believe that the major source of people’s positive reactions to pets comes from oxytocin, a hormone whose many functions include stimulating social bonding, relaxation and trust, and easing stress. Research has shown that when humans interact with dogs, oxytocin levels increase in both species. —The Washington Post The Traumatized Brain I’ve been off social […]
Survivors of atrocity of every age and every culture come to a point in their testimony where all questions are reduced to one, spoken more in bewilderment than in outrage: Why? The answer is beyond human understanding.” ― Judith Lewis Herman, Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence–From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror No more […]
“Often with PTSD there is the traumatic event; perhaps someone was in the war or had a car accident,” she explained. “With Complex PTSD, it’s more when we see psychological abuse. It’s this accumulation over time of feeling threatened.” —My Courage to Tell …the symptoms of PTSD do not really seem to completely describe the […]
Set your boundaries! It’s okay to say no. —Laura Corbeth Holidays? Well, it’s not as easy as it looks for people who are dealing with dysfunctional family members. Here is a list* that helps many out at this time of year. You do not have to go to any holiday events that will hurt you […]
All children are born to grow, to develop, to live, to love, and to articulate their needs and feelings for their self-protection. —Alice Miller Child Neglect. It Hurts. Children Matter! “Would you like to go out for a bite?” I asked my husband. It had been a long week. I was tired. “If you like,” […]
In troubled families, abuse and neglect are permitted; it’s the talking about them that is forbidden. —unknown Children’s Roles in Dysfunctional Families For some of you that are reading this who do not know me, I will start out by saying I am not a therapist or psychologist. What I am, is a researcher. I […]
Mental health outcomes are not good from being bullied in childhood. Studies now validate it.
Songs – No More Bullying! Music affects us. Deeply. And I thought it was important to post a few songs that can really help motivate and make us feel good. I will forget a few I’m sure. Let me tell you if you are reading this: You are worthy. You are loved. Do not let […]
The infant and child who perceives that his needs are unmet may develop an obsessive coping style, anxious about each detail. When such a person fears that he is unable to control events, he experiences great stress. —Dr. Gabor Maté Do You Feel Disconnected? I BELIEVE we are all connected. I believe we are connected […]
Matthew 5: 4 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your […]
