What do the loved ones of trauma survivors need? If you have been reading this blog for a while and you are a supporter, you probably have a list of needs. Maybe a long list.…
7 things loved ones of trauma survivors need – according to research
Tag: support
Complex PTSD & the need for more family support – with Dr Manuel P Stadtmann
I recently came across a series of research articles focused on complex post traumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD or CPTSD) and the daily life experiences of those with the diagnosis and their relatives. As you…
From Shame to Empowerment: Support for Partners of Trauma Survivors – guest podcast with Jane Clapp
A few years ago, in the early part of seeking trauma support for my husband, I began to experience an unsettling feeling. It was kind of like a heavy wool blanket. The type that feels…
Why ‘What happened to you?’ is not the only question for families of survivors
‘What happened to you?’ is not the only question for families of survivors If you have been reading my blog for a while or any other trauma-related information, I am sure you are familiar with…
Why self-compassion and self-care work together to help supporters of survivors
Last week, I attended a one-day workshop with Kristin Neff, Ph.D. For those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Neff’s work, she is a self-compassion researcher and the co-founder of the Mindful Self-Compassion…
5 ways to cut yourself slack if you are the partner of a trauma survivor
It happened again. About one month ago, there was a clear decline in my husband’s mental health. Truthfully, the decline had been happening for a while, but it was obvious he needed medical help. Our…
You are more than your trauma
You are more than your trauma. I couldn’t sleep. My mind ran restless laps around last week’s events. As much as I wanted to put it all behind me, my brain had other ideas. I…
9 non-negotiable self-care strategies I can’t live without as partner to a survivor
If you’ve been reading my blog posts for a while, you’ll know the topic of self-care is really important to me. It’s important because as a partner to a survivor, I know the high risk…
The costs of loving a trauma survivor
There are costs to loving a trauma survivor. I know this statement may come across as or unsupportive, insensitive, or unkind. But despite the potential misinterpretations of this statement, it still needs to be said. There are…
My Husband’s Developmental Trauma Changed Me
My husband’s developmental trauma changed me. Seven years ago, my husband of twenty years began to experience a series of visual flashbacks. These emerging memories pointed to a very different childhood than he had previously remembered.…
My Husband has Developmental Trauma and No One Told Me About It
My husband has developmental trauma and no one told me about it. After eight trauma therapists, three psychiatric assessments, four general practitioners, two big psychological breakdowns, many smaller breakdowns, three employment leaves, financial loss, one…