The fawn response is a trauma response. It is a protective reaction to an unsafe situation, usually in our childhood. As adults, the fawn response shows up in relationships in different ways: I’ll say anything to keep the peace. I …
Trauma and Staying Connected
When we have experienced trauma, there might be an impulse to push people away, to feel shame around the trauma. To feel as though “I should be stronger than this”, or “why is this still affecting me? What is wrong …
When To Get Help For Trauma
The typical trauma symptoms will start to fade after about four weeks for some people, and for others, they will continue and even worsen. It is beneficial to have a list of things to look out for regarding trauma. If …
Physical & Emotional Symptoms of Trauma
Everyone will experience different responses to trauma. Your particular response might be unusual, just remember that it is your response and so it is ‘normal’ for you. You may experience any combination of these symptoms in response to any trauma, …
What To Say If You Made A Mistake Or Regret How You Behaved.
We all make mistakes. The magic is in the repair. Sometimes it is hard to find the words to start. I hope you find these helpful. Love to all, Jen
Causes of Psychological Trauma
You might be surprised to know there are different kinds of trauma. Our ability to recover from trauma depends partly on the KIND of trauma we have experienced. When we have experienced a shock trauma, psychological distress in the form …
Dissociation And Trauma
“Dissociation is the essence of trauma. The overwhelming experience is split off and fragmented, so that the emotions, sounds, images, thoughts, and physical sensations related to the trauma take on a life of their own.” (Van der Kolk, 2014, p66). …
How Trauma Affects the Brain
Trauma affects the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus. Ongoing trauma is associated with “lasting change in these brain areas” (Bremmer, 2006). When there is a potential threat the amygdala sends an instant message to the hippocampus, …
Mixed Feelings
It is normal to have mixed feelings about people we are in a relationship with. When we are in black and white thinking, it might be challenging to accept that we have different feelings about the same person. When we …
Intergenerational Trauma
Intergenerational trauma is real. Trauma is passed down through family lines. When a family member experiences a trauma, such as being raised by an alcoholic, experiencing slavery or genocide, these traumas have biological and behavioural impacts on future generations. …