A father and son on a weekend fishing trip eagerly set out in their boat on the river early one morning. All is going well until the son, standing too close to the side of the boat while trying to reel in his line, suddenly slips and falls over the side into the deep water…
People with a history of childhood trauma often carry those issues unconsciously forward into adult relationships. A pattern of childhood neglect, emotional or physical abuse, or a story involving sexual molestation or rape creates difficulties for adults as they attempt to make long-term bonds in committed relationships. It is not uncommon to find such an…
By Tiffany Dzioba, PsyD, LMFT, Executive Director of Promises The clients we serve suffer from significant mental illness, many times with a co-occurring addiction, and most have experienced profound trauma in their lives. They’ve spent much of their lives struggling with pain that has compromised their functioning and taken away hope. The healing process is…
The #MeToo movement has gone viral following sexual harassment and sexual misconduct allegations against a growing list of celebrities. It’s a powerful and needed movement that’s only beginning to shed light on the depth and scale of the problem. “I’m glad people are coming forward,” says Sherry Young, PhD, CSAT, a senior clinical outreach director…
By Tiffany Dzioba, PsyD, LMFT, Clinical Program Director, Promises Malibu Vista Addressing spirituality and spiritual issues in psychotherapy can be an integral part of helping clients heal from trauma and achieve post-traumatic growth. Spiritual concepts such as forgiveness, meaning-making, surrender and connectedness can help clients integrate traumatic events and move forward with new narratives and…
Anyone exposed to a highly traumatic situation with the potential to cause injury or death can develop diagnosable symptoms of the mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. However, for a number of reasons, men have PTSD risks that differ from those found in women. In addition, men who develop the disorder can…
By Natalia Balsundaram, Trauma Therapist, Promises, Young Adult Program Lily was so excited about becoming a mother. She lovingly collected baby items and built a nursery for her first child. She couldn’t wait to meet him. In her sixth month of pregnancy, she discovered her husband was gambling — heavily. He told her it was…
By Natalia Balasundaram, Trauma Therapist, Promises, Young Adult Program Amy grew up in a household that was dominated by her father’s cocaine addiction. She stayed away from drugs, but she always seemed to find partners with drug problems. A part of her hoped she could save them in a way that she could not save…
Equine therapy is an excellent option for trauma victims who have a hard time opening up about their experiences or who feel overwhelming anxiety or panic. Equine therapy provides a unique environment in which individuals are able to heal their invisible wounds in a way that is intuitive and fun. When some people first hear…
The holidays can be a difficult time for people who struggle with the impact of childhood traumatic experiences and PTSD. Trauma therapist Laurie Kahn, MA, MFA, LCPC, is the founder and director of Womencare Counseling Center, co-creator of the Trauma Consultation Program, and author of the forthcoming Baffled By Love: Stories of the Lasting Impact…
