Tagged With "experience"
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The Back Country Prescription Experiment [longreads.com]
By Mathina Calliope, Longreads, December 3, 2019 In 2014 my doctor took me off the antidepressant I had credited with making life okay for the previous 16 years; at 41 I was trying to have a baby with my boyfriend, Inti. I didn’t get pregnant, but this story isn’t about my failure to become a mother. Instead it’s about how a break from my meds led, ultimately and circuitously, to another kind of birth; to a different life for myself. My doctor’s orders seemed rash. Going off antidepressants...
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The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series - "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life"
Learning to find my gifts within my chaos has changed everything. Everything.
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The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series – “Getting Past Your Past”
Naturally, I would at times experience panic attack symptoms, and would almost always cry. Sometimes slow tears cascading down my cheeks. Other times full-on ugly crying, requiring a pause in the action.
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The Healing Place Podcast: Barbara Rubel, MA, BCETS, D.A.A.E.T.S. - How to Help Suicide Loss Survivors & the Traumatic Impact of Suicide
Barbara Rubel is a suicide loss survivor and leading thanatologist. Thanatology is the scientific study of death. As a thanatologist, Barbara Rubel specializes in suicide loss survivor grief and educating professionals about traumatic loss. The third updated and revised edition of her book, But I Didn’t Say Goodbye: Helping families after a suicide, just launched on Amazon.
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The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Kathleen Friend MD is a Child Psychiatrist, children’s author, musician and heart rhythm meditation teacher currently living in Tucson, Arizona. Her mission is to expand the paradigm of Child Psychiatry to embrace a holistic view of mind, body and spirit.
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The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Kathleen Friend MD is a Child Psychiatrist, children’s author, musician and heart rhythm meditation teacher currently living in Tucson, Arizona. Her mission is to expand the paradigm of Child Psychiatry to embrace a holistic view of mind, body and spirit.
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The Healing Place Podcast - Missy Garcia: Sexuality, Leadership, Healing
Missy is passionate about empowering women with tools to come back into the true beauty of who they are, guide them to open their heart to completely loving all of themselves, and totally embracing their badass queen within. She coaches women to access their inner power, be healed from within and bring back the juiciness into their life, careers and relationships.
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The Healing Place Podcast - Shenandoah Chefalo: Garbage Bag Suitcase
What a delightful conversation Teri Wellbrock engaged in with the passionate and compassionate Shenandoah Chefalo, author of "Garbage Bag Suitcase: A Memoir" and faculty member of The Center for Trauma Resilient Communities. They dove into the depths of: the healing work of Crossnore and The Center for Trauma Resilient Communities; growing up in the foster care system; trauma-brain; 3 proven resilience-building factors; compassion approaches; and why they dislike tomatoes!
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Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Therapy dogs are used in a wide variety of environments and circumstances but, broadly speaking, they are dogs whose presence is designed to help alleviate stress, promote feelings of well-being and sometimes help with a process of rehabilitation or healing in humans other than their owners.
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Transforming Trauma Podcast: The Blind Spots of Privilege and Complex Trauma in Marginalized Communities
Transforming Trauma Podcast: The Blind Spots of Privilege and Complex Trauma in Marginalized Communities Claude Cayemitte, a clinical social worker and NARM Therapist, joins the Transforming Trauma podcast to examine how complex trauma impacts individuals from marginalized communities and how unrecognized cultural trauma can lead to misattunement in the therapeutic relationship. Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model as a foundation, and his own background as a Haitian-American male...
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How Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect You as an Adult [psychologytoday.com]
What are adverse childhood experiences and how do they impact us later in life? In California, where I live and work as a sex and intimacy disorders specialist, there is a movement for mandatory adverse childhood experiences (ACES) assessment in all public and private medical and psychotherapeutic settings. So, regardless of an adult patient’s presenting issue(s) – medical, psychological, or both – clinicians would screen for childhood trauma. The reason for this push, which I strongly...
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How Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect You as an Adult [psychologytoday.com]
What are adverse childhood experiences and how do they impact us later in life? In California, where I live and work as a sex and intimacy disorders specialist, there is a movement for mandatory adverse childhood experiences (ACES) assessment in all public and private medical and psychotherapeutic settings. So, regardless of an adult patient’s presenting issue(s) – medical, psychological, or both – clinicians would screen for childhood trauma. The reason for this push, which I strongly...
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Inside the Adverse Childhood Experience Score: Strengths, Limitations, and Misapplications [ajpmonline.org]
By Robert F. Anda, Laura E. Porter, David W. Brown, et al., American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 25, 2020 INTRODUCTION Despite its usefulness in research and surveillance studies, the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) score is a relatively crude measure of cumulative childhood stress exposure that can vary widely from person to person. Unlike recognized public health screening measures, such as blood pressure or lipid levels that use measurement reference standards and cut points...
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It Makes Sense
I felt inadequate and ill-prepared to speak to licensed mental health professionals about ACEs. But when I was asked to attend the 40th Annual Training Institute on Behavioral Health & Addictive Disorders in Clearwater, Florida to represent ACEs Connection, I was honored and eager. My background is in health planning, not mental or behavioral health. I review health data and look for gaps and inequities. My time is spent looking for and addressing the health needs of a community. So,...
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Pip had high #ACEs
I just finished reading Great Expectations for the second time. I could relate to it much easier this reading as I used an ACEs lens to understand Pip's experiences and challenges. Dickens knew in 1860 the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences. It seems strange to see humanity hasn't really evolved emotionally and socially that much in 160 years. Hopefully the ACEs movement will help propel our consciousness raising.
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Positivities of Persistence Series: Persistence & Positivity Defined
While some scholars may attribute persistence to a need for control, I like to take the stance with those who look at persistence as a will to not give up. More and more research is emerging on resilience and its positive impact in off-setting ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), even learned resilience skills in adulthood.
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Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
Sometimes I feel selfish for walking away from our therapy dog sessions with my heart overflowing with joy, a smile radiating from my face AND heart. I love watching this dog turn a child’s tears into giggles. Sammie has a thing for kids. Her tail wags every time she sees one. Whether we are walking the halls at a school or the trails at a nature preserve. She wants to meet them all and offer a snuggle. As a result, her tail thumps in canine happiness, and I just can’t help but grin.
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Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
So, how does Teri Wellbrock bring herself back into a state of calm once the anticipatory anxiety has been triggered? Here is Teri's personal go-to list. Please keep in mind she created this plan on a trial and error basis. She loaded her coping skills toolbox with exercises, fidgets, courses, books, therapy suggestions, and techniques discovered through personal research. Following is her top seven strategies, however, please note that she has a much larger bag-o-tricks to pull from if needed.
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Re: It Makes Sense
You knew about something many of the attendees didn't know about but can now put to good use. This is a reminder that you don't necessarily have to be a trained clinician, physician, nurse, or public health researcher to get the word out about the ACEs study and its compelling results. Thank you, Jennifer, for taking advantage of an opportunity to share that knowledge at the conference and for telling us about your experience with that here.
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series - "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life"
Thank you, Teri, for this gift. Beautiful way to share your impressions and take-aways of the late Dr. Dyer's book. The analysis doesn't seem simplistic to me, but rather a distillation, as is poetry.
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Thanks for sharing the information about your latest podcast, Teri. I always enjoy your interviews and I look forward to listening to this one soon. Just so you know, sometimes I have to listen to them twice because they are so jam-packed with good stuff! Also: another great thing about your podcast is that it's evidence of how much good work is going on in our world toward healing -- and you manage to find out about it!
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
This made my heart smile big! And thanks double for listening in TWICE sometimes. LOL! I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to meet beautiful souls from all over this world who are doing incredible work helping others along their healing journeys. I continue to be blown away by their efforts, commitment, dedication, and overall love given by advocates and survivors alike in helping others. The podcast was recently approved by the Board of Directors of Fractured Atlas for fiscal...
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series - "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life"
That is true. And thanks for recognizing that. Important meaning to my soul narrowed down to a few words. I love the idea of distillation when it comes to deep concepts. Very cool! Thanks for that. Peace, Teri
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Another new podcast. I'm intrigued ... thank you again, Teri!
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Dr. Kathleen Friend: The Greatness Chair
Thanks, again, for tuning in! I love meeting all of these beautiful people doing amazing work in the world of trauma-recovery and prevention. Makes my heart happy and hopeful.
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series – “Getting Past Your Past”
Teri, this book has been on my list for a while (along with a blue million other books ...). Thanks for the reminder to nudge it toward the top of the list. I'm an EMDR veteran too, and your descriptions of your experience with that therapy echo mine. I too can say I wouldn't be where I am today without it. I've undergone a few more sessions recently and it has not lost its power. It is also quite the trip. Every time I think, nothing is going to happen this session. And then ... boy, do...
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Re: The Books That Helped Me Transition from Trauma to Triumph: A Book Review Series – “Getting Past Your Past”
I totally relate to your "along with a blue million other books" How wonderful you found EMDR and it helped you along your healing journey. And, wow, yes, those session where I would go in thinking everything was calm in my world then . . . BAM . . . I'd walk out thinking, "Where the hell did THAT come from?" But, so glad those aha moments would surface and I could process them and release that negative energy. Cathartic in so many ways. Thanks again for posting the obit for Dr. Shapiro. I...
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Missy Garcia: Sexuality, Leadership, Healing
I appreciated what Missy Garcia had to say about how non-sexual types of touch -- stroking one's arms when upset, for example -- provide the sort of pleasure that can soothe emotional upset. I have read that one "tell" when people are, say, fidgeting with their hair or with a pen is that if the object of fidgeting is external -- such as the pen -- then most likely what's causing them turmoil is outside of themselves, whereas if a person is twisting their hair, then something internal --...
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Missy Garcia: Sexuality, Leadership, Healing
Fascinating! I'm betting there's some truth to that theory, as well. I had never thought about using my feminine sexual power to heal my sexual trauma remnants. I loved Missy's ideas of empowerment and leadership growing from that place of hurt by "taking our power back". She certainly has me looking at this from a new angle. Which is why I love these podcast interviews so very much! Thanks so much for taking the time to offer feedback. Peace, Teri
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Shenandoah Chefalo: Garbage Bag Suitcase
Ah, yes -- I have heard of Chefalo's memoir Garbage Bag Suitcase. I love hearing about people who've sublimated their experience with childhood trauma into work that helps others. Looking forward to listening!
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Re: The Healing Place Podcast - Shenandoah Chefalo: Garbage Bag Suitcase
Sorry for the delay in responding . . . I was enjoying a 9 day break at the beach on the Carolina coast! I, too, find it inspirational and heartwarming to know so many are using their triumph over trauma to guide others. A beautiful testament to becoming empowered. Thanks for listening in to the show and offering feedback. Makes my heart smile! Peace, Teri
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Re: Positivities of Persistence Series: Persistence & Positivity Defined
Hmmmm. I don't think my husband has ever called me persistent, but he HAS called me tenacious more than once. Because I am. And I think there's a lot of overlap between persistence and tenacity. I never thought about whether my tenacity is a result of childhood trauma, but it's not a stretch to suggest that it might be, as you posit about your persistence. In fact, I'd say BOTH traits are forms of resilience, because in order to be either persistent or tenacious, you have to keep pushing,...
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Re: Positivities of Persistence Series: Persistence & Positivity Defined
Great feedback! And, yes, I have been gifted the tenacious label, too. Another one I've been told is that I am determined. Holds the hand of persistent. So glad you found your tenacity to muscle through those first 20 years. And this success meme is perfect. And oh so true! Peace, Teri
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
Teri... such beautiful work you do. Your big heart—and Sammie's—help heal so many hearts. ❤️
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
There's so much to like about this "love letter" to working with a therapy animal, if I may. Two bits that stand out, though, are "Do I approach with a 'wagging tail' and welcoming aura?" -- definitely goals for which to strive. I know that in my decades-long habitual self-guarding and hypervigilance, I can unintentionally come off as aloof. I'm now inspired to try to wag my figurative tail when approached or approaching others. And this whole piece just sings with the fact that you and...
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
Thank you for this. You made my big heart smile big I was away visiting my son in Colorado and had to leave Sammie for a week. She's still not speaking to me. Ha! I'm excited for school to start back up so this dog can begin helping kiddos again.
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Re: Seven Benefits of Working with a Therapy Animal from a Handler's Perspective
Oh, I so relate to what you wrote about the hypervigilance bit and coming off as aloof. I lived in a guarded state for decades. Once I started the healing journey I began shining a light from within and found myself smiling without even realizing I was doing so as I would notice others smiling back at me or stating, "You must be having a great day based upon that grin!" And, yes, yes, yes . . . I find joy in watching Sammie help children find their smiles which naturally brings me to a place...
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Great list, Teri! I'll add another: Knitting. It's my portable therapy. I tend to get anxious when there's turbulence on a plane flight so I always take a knitting project with me when I fly. It's meditative and soothing. Here's some information and research about the health benefits of knitting: https://well.blogs.nytimes.com...enefits-of-knitting/ Thanks again for your great and useful post!
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Wonderful! Thanks for the knitting suggestion. I have a friend who swears by knitting when she flies, as well.
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Teri... and here's another one: Jigsaw puzzles. I can get absorbed in a puzzle for hours. While not portable like knitting, jigsaw puzzles are meditative and relaxing. I always have one going on a table in my home. I'm a psychotherapist and will pass on your suggestions and post to my clients and followers. Thanks again!
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Yes!!! I am a fan of jigsaw puzzles, as well. Great reminder! Thank you. And thanks for passing along my post. I have a website that has links to resources regarding ACEs, trauma, hope and healing . . . including my podcast. Many ACEs Connection members have joined me on air to discuss the healing work they are doing and/or their own healing journeys. If you'd ever like to join me, please reach out at info@teriwellbrock.com . I am now booking into August and beyond (on summer hiatus to...
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Love it! Another fellow jigsaw puzzler! Thank you for the information about your website and podcast and also for your invitation. I am interested and will be in touch! Blessings, Diane
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
What a lovely collection of ways to calm yourself while away from home (or in general). Just looking at your coloring projects, your photos, and Sammie help me feel calmer. Your coloring and photos are just stunning, Teri. I second Diane's suggestion of knitting while flying. It helps distract me from my anxiety even if I have to "frog it" (rip it back) afterward because I made so many mistakes .
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Re: Seven Strategies I Use To Reregulate As Anxiety Symptoms Surface
Aw! Thank you, Laura! You made me heart smile with that. My dad and sister were/are phenomenal artists and I can't even draw a straight line with a ruler. LOL! But, coloring and photography and writing . . . THOSE I can do. For years I told myself I wasn't artistic because I couldn't draw or create magnificent artwork like them. So glad I found my own creative outlets. Now I admire and applaud their work while being appreciative of my own. I may have to give knitting a whirl. Who knows,...
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Re: Pip had high #ACEs
Elizabeth, this is brilliant. An insightful analysis of a classic work of literature through the lens of ACEs. I know what book I'm adding to my Goodreads list, and I'll be using your post as a reading guide. Makes me yearn for an "ACEs in Literature" course. I nominate Elizabeth to teach it! And it could make a great new ACEs community. Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth. It sure has my wheels turning.
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Re: Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Informative article. Aren't we all fortunate that Elaine Smith and her colleagues persevered in the face of skepticism and ridicule when they brought dogs into the nursing home? Thanks, Teri.
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Re: Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
My dear friend works in the mortuary science field and informed me that therapy dogs (animals) are now being utilized to help the bereaved at funeral homes (per the request of the family, obviously). I love it that the power of these sweet animals is being recognized as a healing tool in so many arenas.
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Re: Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
I don't think there's any place or situation where dogs can't provide healing and comfort (but I'm biased ).
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The Healing Place Podcast: Dr. Jamie Marich - Trauma & the 12 Steps; Addiction Recovery; & Utilizing Complimentary Healing Tools
Teri Wellbrock sits down with Dr. Jamie Marich who describes herself as a facilitator of transformative experiences. A clinical trauma specialist, expressive artist, writer, yogini, performer, short filmmaker, Reiki master, and recovery advocate, she unites all of these elements in her mission to inspire healing in others.