Month: October 2014

Grieving Sexual Assault: Applying Grief to the Trauma of Rape By: Meghan Hahl, Therapy Intern When someone says the word “rape,” or discusses the idea of sexual assault, one rarely thinks to associate the traumatic incident with the concept of grief. When survivors consider their pain and the trauma they have experienced, the idea of going… Continue reading Grieving Sexual Assault

5 Benefits of Mindfulness By: Gina Skopec, Therapy Intern Mindfulness is a state of being in which one has moment-to-moment awareness of his or her experience and surroundings without passing judgment (Davis & Hayes, 2012). The concept of mindfulness has been gaining popularity in the fields of counseling and psychology over recent years as a practice that… Continue reading 5 Benefits of Mindfulness

When a Loved One is a Survivor of Sexual Trauma By: Theresa Zephirin, LCSW | Therapist “The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief, who can tolerate not knowing, not healing, not curing, that is a friend who cares”… Continue reading When a Loved One is a Survivor of Sexual Trauma

Vulnerability: How Letting Go of Control Can Empower Our Clients By: Holly Smith, LMHC | Senior Therapist/Clinical Coordinator Vulnerability has become quite a buzz word lately, but what does it actually mean?  It has evolved from a measure of weakness to a mark of openness and connection in our relationships.  Its historical definition doesn’t fit… Continue reading Vulnerability

  How to Manage Triggers in World that is Waking Up By: Holly Smith, LMHC | Senior Therapist/Clinical Coordinator We have seen a recent skyrocket of awareness in the media regarding sexual assaults and sexual abuse.  We are truly in a chapter of our history where we are waking up to the reality of how… Continue reading How to Manage Triggers in World that is Waking Up

              What Does Healing Look Like? By: Holly Smith, MS, LMHC | Therapist We use the word “healing” frequently to discuss physical injuries.  Once a cut, scrape, or break is “healed,” we know how to recognize it. The skin has developed scar tissue or the broken bone is strong enough… Continue reading What Does Healing Look Like?

Faith and Trauma By: Theresa Zephirin, LCSW | Therapist These are questions I hear often in my work with individuals that have experienced trauma.  It’s difficult to believe in a higher power or faith practice when one has had a truly difficult experience occur. Trauma causes personal pain and raises questions of doubt that can be… Continue reading Why do bad things happen to good people?