There are various definitions of ambiguous loss, but perhaps the aptest, some might say the most beautiful description of this type of mourning comes from Darcy L. Harris: "Ambiguous loss is the type of grief that can be defined as an experience where there is a change in circumstances, … Read more about What Is Ambiguous Loss and the Approaches That Work Best
For those with traumatic histories, escaping or forgetting painful memories from the past can seem like an attractive option. Although many people often use drugs and alcohol socially and recreationally, some use substances to escape, a way to numb or forget painful memories, feelings, and … Read more about Drugs and Escapism: The Trauma Behind Substance Addiction
My name is Renee, and I am an alcoholic. A recovering one at this point, but never recovered. Always recovering. How it Started: Sparkly Golden Chardonnay I took my first drink at age 14. At that time, I worked for a catering company, and the owners were my neighbors. They paid me … Read more about What Alcohol Recovery Means to Me
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is one of ten personality disorders classified within the diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM-5) as a ''Cluster B'' personality disorder. To be diagnosed with a Cluster B personality disorder, a person must demonstrate erratic, dramatic, and overly … Read more about Is it possible to recover from a narcissistic personality disorder?
Our brains are dazzling and complex. Yet, as fascinating as it might be, the human brain has many limitations, especially when dealing with high-level stress, such as trauma. How trauma affects the brain You might have heard about how trauma affects people exposed to profoundly shocking and … Read more about What is the science behind emotional trauma?
Addiction and co-dependency share a strong connection: shame. Shame is much stronger than guilt. Unlike guilt, which is rooted around specific actions, shame makes a person feel inherently wrong. This feeling of wrongness can lead to feelings of being unworthy, unlovable, and undeserving of … Read more about Healing Shame: The Core of Addiction and Codependency
There is much evidence to suggest that personality disorders and substance abuse are interconnected, though it can often be challenging to discern which condition came first. Substance use disorders and personality disorders Plenty of research has shown a strong correlation between substance … Read more about Addressing Personality Disorders and Co-occurring Substance Abuse
If you've ever experienced traumatic stress, you'll likely be aware of its effects on the body and mind. Traumatic events can disrupt our inner worlds, adversely changing how we perceive ourselves and the people around us. Traumatic memories After a traumatic event, a world that used to … Read more about What is EMDR therapy, and how does it work
