Trauma

Coping with Trauma

Psychological trauma may set in after a distressing or life-threatening event. Sufferers may develop extreme anxiety or PTSD, or they may have ongoing problems with relationships and self-esteem. But many overcome trauma, offering inspiration to others who have had life-altering negative experiences.

Timing Matters in the Effects of Neglect on Development

By Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on July 18, 2017 in Adopting Reason

How much can stable, nurturing homes help children overcome the effects of severe early neglect?

Law Enforcement's Most Challenging Assignment

By Ellen Kirschman Ph.D. on July 14, 2017 in Cop Doc

There are a number of reasons why investigating Internet crimes against children is deeply emotionally trying. Here's what psychologists can and should do to help.

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Six Ways To Approach Childhood Emotional Trauma

By Grant H. Brenner M.D. on July 14, 2017 in ExperiMentations

Recovery from trauma and growing beyond it can seem challenging and even impossible. Here are some potentially useful tools to begin to take the first steps.

Navigating Abuse by the Clergy—Part One

By Lisa Ferentz LCSW-C, DAPA on July 13, 2017 in Healing Trauma’s Wounds

Oftentimes, abuse inflicted upon victims by clergy occurs within a context that is religious and is supposed to be safe.

Losing a Pregnancy Only to Lose One Again

By Robert T Muller Ph.D. on July 12, 2017 in Talking About Trauma

Recurrent pregnancy loss is an isolating and traumatic experience for many.

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New Study Links PTSD with More Gray Matter in Right Amygdala

By Christopher Bergland on July 12, 2017 in The Athlete's Way

Last year, scientists found that specific regions within the amygdala process positive or negative emotions. Now, a new study finds that PTSD is linked to a larger right amygdala.

The Power of Total Isolation: Why We Hate Being Alone

By Kevin Bennett on July 12, 2017 in Modern Minds

The pain of extreme isolation results from a conflict between evolved social mechanisms and impersonal modern environments containing built structures that cut us off from others.

Unimagined Sensitivities, Part 10

By Michael Jawer on July 09, 2017 in Feeling Too Much

It’s possible that searing trauma – experienced by humans or other creatures similarly endowed – produces effects that are simultaneously physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Trauma Nation

By Stanton Peele on July 07, 2017 in Addiction in Society

The cultural movement of recovering trauma is actually a psychological disaster of its own making. The answers—forward planning and community building—are nowhere apparent.

Trauma-Informed Care and Why It Matters

By Mellissa Withers, Ph.D., MHS on July 06, 2017 in Modern Day Slavery

Individuals’ coping reactions to trauma remain poorly understood, even by many of the people who are in the best positions to offer support and treatment to victims.

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Botanical Treatment Options for Traumatic Stress

By Leslie E. Korn Ph.D, MPH, LMHC, ACS, NTP on July 04, 2017 in Rhythms of Recovery

Hanai ‘awa a ikaika ka makani. Feed with kava so that the spirit may gain strength. —Hawaiian Proverb

photo credit: Paola Duran, used with permission

Paul Booth’s Dark Path to Enlightenment

By Michael Friedman Ph.D. on July 03, 2017 in Brick by Brick

“The tattoo becomes an exorcism of sorts.”

More Porn, Less Rape? The Controversy Revisited

By Michael Castleman M.A. on July 02, 2017 in All About Sex

Does pornography contribute to sexual assault. Retrospective trials says yes, but prospective trials say no. Prospective trials are much more credible. So, more porn, less rape.

Heroes' Origins: Must Superheroes Suffer Parental Loss?

By Travis Langley Ph.D. on July 02, 2017 in Beyond Heroes and Villains

The Film Psychologist looks at psychological consequences of losing parents for the the world's three most famous superhero orphans, and Stan Lee shares his thoughts on the matter.

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The Bronx Hospital Shooter: A Chronic Catathymic Crisis?

By Dale Hartley Ph.D., MBA on July 01, 2017 in Machiavellians: Gulling the Rubes

Who shoots up a workplace two years after being fired? Someone who is obsessed with that incident, who has ruminated about it, and fantasized about revenge.

What is PTSD Exactly?

By Michael S. Scheeringa M.D. on July 01, 2017 in Stress Relief

Back to the basics for understanding PTSD.

Breaking Through the Wall of Schizophrenia

By Marilyn Wedge Ph.D. on July 01, 2017 in Suffer the Children

Research shows that people who have experienced trauma are more likely to be psychotic. Surprisingly, being bullied is one kind of trauma.

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Six Ways Developmental Trauma Shapes Adult Identity

By Grant H. Brenner M.D. on July 01, 2017 in ExperiMentations

Dissociation unplugs us from ourselves, interfering with identity formation throughout development. Recovery starts with recognition, moving toward more connected identities.

Seven Agreeable Ways to Be Disagreeable

By Andrea F. Polard Psy.D. on June 30, 2017 in A Unified Theory of Happiness

When we know how to use our defiance wisely, we can move mountains. Unhappiness can turn into happiness, failure into success....

From the Worst in Human Nature to the Best

By Steve Taylor Ph.D. on June 30, 2017 in Out of the Darkness

One of the most amazing things about disasters is the acts of incredible altruism and self-sacrifice they give rise to.

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Freedom From Sleep Disorders This Independence Day

By Kathleen Frazier on June 29, 2017 in From Sleepwalker to Sound Sleeper

Is it possible to free yourself from debilitating insomnia? What about terrifying sleepwalking or sleep terrors? Peaceful slumber is possible, one night at a time.

Helping Refugee Children Cope

By Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on June 29, 2017 in Invisible Chains

Ugandan psychologist Hugo Kamya tells how to support refugee children in our schools and communities.

Conversation Cards Help Therapists Dig Deeper

By Robert T Muller Ph.D. on June 28, 2017 in Talking About Trauma

Fink Cards: A tool designed to promote dialogue between therapists and clients.

The Importance of Reducing Stress During Pregnancy: Part II

By Ann Diamond Weinstein Ph.D. on June 28, 2017 in From the Beginning

Are you concerned about how stress affects parents-to-be and their developing babies? Stress reduction skills support health in the preconception, prenatal and postnatal periods.

A Better Understanding of Betrayed Spouses

By Robert Weiss LCSW, CSAT-S on June 28, 2017 in Love and Sex in the Digital Age

Do therapists sometimes treat betrayed spouses in unhelpful ways?

Maggie's Story: The Many Reasons Why Not

By Gregg Henriques Ph.D. on June 28, 2017 in Theory of Knowledge

Maggie Nelson wanted desperately to end her life, to end the pain. But she gave hope a chance and found her way to flourishing.

Raising the Awareness of Child Traumatic Stress

By Amber A. Hewitt Ph.D. on June 27, 2017 in You, Empowered

Did you know that June 27 is National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day?

Cops and PTSD

By Ellen Kirschman Ph.D. on June 26, 2017 in Cop Doc

It's National PTSD Awareness Day; do you know a cop with PTSD?

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The Connection Between Migraines and Psychological Trauma

By Jean Kim M.D. on June 26, 2017 in Culture Shrink

Migraines may have a neurobiological connection to the same systemic pathways that affect trauma and mood, and can occur more frequently in people with a history of abuse.

Some Advice on Coping Following Trauma

By Stephen Joseph Ph.D. on June 24, 2017 in What Doesn't Kill Us

If you, a loved one or friend, has recently been through a traumatic and upsetting event, it may be worth considering some of the following ways of coping