Transforming trauma into triumph.

I am a licensed Life Coach and a certified Peer-support Specialist. I am also someone who has walked the path of trauma and recovery. I have experienced the profound impacts of childhood trauma and have battled with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD) myself. My journey through the shadows of repressed memories and the subsequent path to recovery has equipped me with a deep understanding and empathy for those who are struggling with similar experiences.

My approach is not just about teaching; it’s about sharing and understanding. It’s about holding a client’s hand and facilitating the process of tapping into their inner wisdom, guiding them to make informed choices about their next course of action as they undertake a journey of trauma-awareness and healing.

I am here to share my experiences, my learnings, and my strategies for PTSD recovery through life skills and self-care. I am here to walk with you on your journey to healing, as a guide, as a support, and most importantly, as a peer.

Your Shared Journey

I understand the fires of hell you traverse now because I’ve been through them. My experiences are not just lessons but shared realities. I am old enough to have garnered wisdom from my life mistakes, compulsions, and experiences, and I am open enough to relate to young people in their early twenties and late teens. Let’s learn and grow together, transcending our traumas and rebuilding our lives.

I value honesty, love, spirituality, creativity, and the love of learning. I believe in presenting myself genuinely and value close connections with others. My beliefs about the meaning of life shape my conduct and provide comfort, and my experiences allow me to relate to all trauma survivors.

Faith and Healing

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My faith has shaped my understanding of healing, emphasizing the role of a higher divine power in removing the shame, anger, contempt, and lack of forgiveness one might feel inside.

What is Trauma-informed support?

Think of trauma-informed support as a kind-hearted way of helping people who’ve been through tough times. It’s all about understanding the deep effects of trauma and finding ways to heal. The main idea is to create a space where people feel safe, valued, and hopeful about getting better. Here’s what it’s all about:

• Safety: It’s about making sure everyone feels safe, both inside and out. This means creating a welcoming space and ensuring all interactions are kind and understanding.
• Being Open and Honest: We believe in clear communication. This means being upfront about what’s happening and why, so everyone feels in the loop and trusts the process.
• Friendship and Support: Having friends who’ve been there and get it is super important. That’s why peer support is at the heart of what we do. It’s about building trust and feeling empowered together.
• Working Together: Everyone’s on the same team here. Whether you’re getting help or giving it, everyone’s voice matters. It’s all about working together and sharing the load.
• Finding Your Strength: We see the awesome in everyone. We’ll help you recognize your strengths, build on them, and even discover some new ones. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support yours.
• Respecting All Backgrounds: We value and respect where everyone comes from. This includes understanding and cherishing the rich traditions and histories of the Latter-day Saint community.

While trauma-informed support isn’t a type of therapy, it shapes how we offer help. We know that some things might bring back painful memories, so we’re always careful to be supportive and avoid causing any more hurt.

In short, trauma-informed support is like giving a comforting hug to the soul. It’s about understanding the whole person, their past struggles, and helping them move forward with love and care. That is post-trauma thriving.

What is Post-trauma Thriving?

Imagine going through a super tough time and coming out the other side not just okay, but even stronger and more vibrant than before. That’s what we call post-trauma thriving.

It’s like when a storm hits a tree, and instead of breaking, the tree grows new branches, reaching even higher towards the sun. Here’s what it can look like:

• Growing from the Experience: It’s like discovering new paths you never knew existed, realizing you’re stronger than you thought, and getting to know yourself better.
• Making Stronger Bonds: After going through a rough patch, you might find yourself connecting more deeply with friends, family, or even folks who’ve been through similar stuff.
• Seeing Life in HD: It’s like suddenly seeing the world in brighter colors, cherishing the little moments, and feeling more alive and purposeful.
• Bouncing Back Better: Think of it as leveling up in a video game. You’ve faced the challenges, learned some new moves, and now you’re ready for whatever comes next.
• Feeling More Connected: Some folks find they’re more in tune with the world around them, whether it’s nature, people, or even a higher power.

Remember, everyone’s journey is unique. Not everyone will feel this way after a tough time, and that’s totally okay. But for some, these challenges can lead to some pretty amazing growth. It’s all about finding the silver linings and using them to shine even brighter.

Videos

The Nature of Repressed Childhood Trauma: An introductory video that explains the concept of repression, how traumatic memories can be buried, and the potential triggers for their resurfacing.

1. Signs and Symptoms: A video detailing the various manifestations of repressed childhood trauma in adults, from emotional and psychological symptoms to physical ones.
2. Trauma-Informed Active Listening: Demonstrations on how to listen empathetically to someone who is recalling or confronting repressed traumatic memories.
3. Safety and Grounding Techniques: Demonstrative videos on techniques that can help individuals who might be overwhelmed by resurfacing memories.
4. Role-Playing Scenarios: Videos that role-play different situations related to repressed childhood trauma, offering guidance on how to navigate these conversations.
5. The Role of Body Memory: Exploring how the body can hold onto traumatic memories and how somatic symptoms can be a sign of repressed trauma.
6. Self-Care for Specialists: Emphasizing the importance of self-care when dealing with such heavy topics, with tips to prevent vicarious traumatization.

ebooks

1. Understanding Repressed Childhood Trauma: A guide that delves into the science, psychology, and manifestations of repressed trauma from childhood.
2. Techniques for Supporting Repressed Trauma Survivors: Offering strategies, conversation guidelines, and therapeutic techniques tailored for those confronting repressed memories.
3. The Role of Dreams and Flashbacks: An exploration of how repressed memories might surface in dreams or flashbacks and how to support someone experiencing them.
4. Boundaries and Ethical Considerations: A guide on the importance of boundaries, informed consent, and ethical considerations when working with individuals uncovering repressed trauma.
5. Integrative Healing Techniques for Repressed Trauma: Introducing holistic approaches that can complement traditional therapy, such as art therapy, movement therapy, and guided meditation.
6. Resource Directory for Repressed Childhood Trauma Support: A compilation of additional resources, tools, and organizations specializing in childhood trauma.
7. The Interplay of Memory and Trauma: An exploration of how memory works, the nature of traumatic memory, and the debate around repressed and recovered memories.

• Shame: Many victims wrongly feel they’re at fault. This shame makes them hesitant to speak out.
  
• Fear of Retribution: There’s often a real fear that the perpetrator might retaliate or harm them further if they speak out.
  
• Fear: Victims often fear disbelief, backlash, judgment, or isolation. They might also worry about police reactions, being ostracized, or how others will treat them after disclosure.
  
• Uncertainty: Some aren’t sure of their rights or if they even faced assault. They may be unaware of options like choosing not to report or declining a rape kit.
  
• Guilt: Replaying the incident might lead victims to wrongly blame themselves. Feeling guilty can deter them from sharing their experience.
  
• Avoidance: Many want to forget and move forward. Discussing or recalling the trauma can be painful, so they avoid it.
  
• Dependence on the Abuser: Some victims may be financially, emotionally, or otherwise dependent on their abuser, making it difficult to come forward.
  
• Cultural or Societal Pressure: In some cultures or communities, speaking out about such incidents might bring ‘disgrace’ or ‘dishonor’, causing victims to remain silent.
  
• Lack of Support: Feeling that there’s no one to turn to or that they’ll lack support can make victims reluctant to come forward.
  
• Normalization: If abuse has been a regular occurrence, a victim might wrongly view it as ‘normal’ or ‘just the way things are.’