Trauma Memory is a Nightmare

Trauma Memory is a Nightmare

Trauma Memory is a Nightmare The most persistent, noticeable, and painful part of PTSD has to be the way that the past feels like it is happening over and over again in the present. This is what we call trauma memory. It’s different from any other kind of memory...
When Combat Got Real

When Combat Got Real

When Combat Got Real… This is why I love working with vets. When it comes to hardships, the basic attitude is f*** it, just rip that bandaid off. The gloves come off. Nothing is safe from criticism. You expect a lot from yourself. You expect a lot from the...
Fighting PTSD Through Actions That Reset Our Brains

Fighting PTSD Through Actions That Reset Our Brains

What if we want to get out of the house, but PTSD wants us to stay home? We don’t feel safe so we have to check everything out before we go. We don’t want to be around people who expect us to be cheery. We find it hard to get motivated to do fun things.  I’m...
Finding a Helpful Buddy…or 2 or 3

Finding a Helpful Buddy…or 2 or 3

Find a Buddy or Two, or Three My BFF says that if everyone had two or three BFFs, there would be no need for therapists. I agree to a certain extent, but there are things that a therapist does that a buddy cannot, should not, will not do. You might want to find a...
PTSD Recovery Basic Tool Box

PTSD Recovery Basic Tool Box

PTSD Recovery Basic Tool Box I love a first appointment with a new client. I want to know everything all at once, but that’s not possible. There’s been a lot of living that has gone on long before anyone decides to come into my office. I’m settling in for the...
Important Conversations with Veterans: Ending the Stigma

Important Conversations with Veterans: Ending the Stigma

Normal Is Just A Setting on the Dryer Thinking I would be reassuring to veterans, I started telling them about this sign over my dryer several years ago. I am so aware of the stigma about the crazy vet or the angry vet. According to a recent survey by Cohen Veteran’s...
What Does PTSD Recovery Look Like?

What Does PTSD Recovery Look Like?

The odds of hitting your target go up dramatically when you aim at it. -Mal Pancoast What Does PTSD Recovery Mean What does it actually does PTSD recovery mean? It means having peace in your heart and mind, where now there is some measure of pressured thinking and...
Suicidal Ideation Means It’s Time to Start Talking

Suicidal Ideation Means It’s Time to Start Talking

Trigger warning: If you have been thinking about ending your life, called suicidal ideation, or just disappearing for a while, this blog may help you identify your risk level for attempting suicide. It may also increase the intensity of those thoughts and feelings....