I (Elizabeth) am a practicing Christian, raised in the church, and living in the Bible Belt. I am also an experienced trauma counselor. I work with those who have suffered great abuses, many times at the hands of those who were supposed to be safe and almost always from those in positions of power. In … Continue reading The healing work of forgiveness; a trauma sensitive perspective
Category: boundaries
The holidays can be difficult. It is challenging to care for ourselves but it is also challenging to care for our loved ones who may be hurting. It is difficult to see people we love suffering. Here are a few considerations: The holidays can be stressful, even triggering. Begin by taking care of you. If … Continue reading Caring for loved ones
Self-harm is complicated and difficult to understand. If you have not read Understanding Self Harm, I recommend reading it first. This blog is written for those who aim to love hurting people. It is for the individuals who have witnessed the suffering of self-harm in their child, friend, or family member. It is for those … Continue reading Responding to Self-Harm
Self-harm is intentional, non-suicidal injury to one’s body. It is common—as many as 1 in 3 adolescents report they have self-harmed at some point. Self-harm can be scary and difficult to understand. I hope to contribute to greater understanding of self-harm and provide a starting point for intervention. Like most of my blogs, this is … Continue reading Understanding Self-Harm
Have you ever had an experience where the "right" choice would make life more difficult? Perhaps it was ending a toxic relationship, stopping an unhealthy coping mechanism, or leaving a job that did not honor your values. Sometimes, the next best step is essential for your health and healing. Sometimes the next best step hurts. … Continue reading The Healing Crisis