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Your healing goals probably include feeling better more often and knowing what to do when you feel terrible. You may already have a handy list of friends, family, or professionals to call in a crisis and another list of music to play and soothing actions to take. Sometimes you are on your own, or have… Read More

The metaphor of healing as a journey permeates our language. “One step at a time.” “Find your path.” “I’ll get there someday.” The assumptions hidden in this metaphor invite painful comparisons and judgments, including: We want to travel from unsatisfactory Here to much improved There. Progress is visible and directed. Moving more slowly makes the… Read More

My Inner Nurturer knows I always deserve respect and love. She helps me trust my perceptions rather than taking a vote from the people around me. She replaces “should” with “could” every time I hear it. She is deeply, unhesitatingly compassionate about my pain. My Inner Critic has a lot to say on the subject… Read More

Bodywork (such as massage, Reiki, or a variety of other modalities) can help you cope with and heal from PTSD. Caring touch from a trusted practitioner can help you calm anxiety, reconnect with your body, and gradually release frozen trauma memories. Bodywork can also be a trigger for anxiety, memories, and boundary issues. Finding providers… Read More

After a traumatic event, many survivors experience the secondary trauma of isolation and lack of support. Overwhelming trauma is difficult to express, and the effects last longer than most people expect. Survivors may need to tell their story over and over, or they may not want to discuss it at all, and yet long for… Read More

I used to think that my life would become peaceful after I resolved every issue I was facing and achieved every success I desired. After a while, I noticed that new issues and goals kept arriving without pause, and I needed to make peace a priority now, in the midst of struggle. It has improved… Read More

My healing practice is dedicated to Kuan Yin, Chinese Bodhisattva (Goddess) of Compassion, because I believe that all those who have suffered trauma need compassion, both from within and from others. Kuan Yin (also spelled Guan Yin, Quan Yin, Kwan Yin) originated as the Buddhist Sanskrit Avalokitesvara, a male Bodhisattva. Her full Chinese name, Guan… Read More