Trauma Bonding: Signs, Stages, and Recovery

Unhappy Couple Ready for Divorce

Trauma bonding represents a complex emotional state where individuals develop deep attachments under conditions of abuse, manipulation, and control. This psychological phenomenon transcends the boundaries of romantic relationships, touching on various interpersonal dynamics, including familial connections, friendships, and even situations as extreme as kidnappings. Through the exploration of the intricacies of trauma bonds, it becomes […]

Understanding Trauma and Trauma Responses

woman looking unnerved being comforted by a clinician

In response to trauma, the human body and brain are wired to activate a series of protective mechanisms—what we commonly refer to as trauma responses. These responses, including the well-documented fight, flight, freeze, and fawn reactions, are not signs of weakness or character flaws but natural, instinctual efforts to protect oneself from perceived threats.

What’s the Difference Between PTSD and PTSI?

What's the Difference Between PTSD and PTSI?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) are often used interchangeably, but they are quite different. PTSI is an injury that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event. These physical injuries are typically extensive and traumatic to the person.  While PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences […]

Can Emotional Trauma Cause PTSD? The Effects of Emotional Abuse

effects-of-emotional-trauma

When we talk about PTSD, we often think about physical trauma. This can be, for example, physical or sexual assault, wars or terrorist attacks, and accidents. Nonetheless, this is only part of the story. Research, in fact, has shown that other factors can contribute to developing PTSD. The effects of emotional abuse, for instance, can […]

The Major Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD

acute stress disorder vs ptsd

Almost 50 percent of Americans experience extreme stress regularly. People have stress for various reasons, from work or even traumas. And unfortunately, excessive stress can lead to many problems, from poor relationships, lost productivity at work, and stress disorders.  The two most common stress disorders are PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder. Some people may assume […]

All About EMDR Therapy

Orange County EMDR Therapy for Mental Health

Inception of EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was designed by Francine Shapiro. Its sole purpose is to alleviate the suffering associated with traumatic memories. In the year 1987, by some happenstance observed that she could reduce the effects of negative thoughts and memories by moving her eyes side […]

Trauma: An Experience with the Real

trauma

Split in Two by Trauma A recent article in Wired addresses the aftermath of the devastating 2017 fires in Northern California. The Tubbs Fire, the most destructive wildfire in California history, killed 22 people, destroyed 5643 structures, and has cost over $1.3 billion so far. The piece features an interview with Sharon Bard. Sharon had […]