Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include but are not limited to, serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, combat, or life-threatening situations. PTSD is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s daily life and well-being.
There are several evidence-based approaches to treating trauma. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of trauma, whether the danger has ended, the person’s symptoms, and whether the trauma was single-event or prolonged/complex. Main treatments for trauma For complex or prolonged trauma Treatment often needs to be phased rather than simply focused on the traumatic memory… Read More Main treatments for trauma
Trauma is not defined only by what happened; it also involves how the nervous system and mind respond to what happened. Different types of trauma Another useful distinction Trauma can also be described according to duration: Single-event trauma → repeated trauma → prolonged trauma → complex trauma And according to source: Accidental → interpersonal → relational →… Read More Trauma is not defined only by what happened
One of the most unexpected gifts of healing has been the awakening of my senses. The other evening I drove home through the mountains with the windows open. The cool night air gently brushed against my skin as the unmistakable scent of wild fennel drifted in from the roadside. It was such a simple moment,… Read More When Healing Awakens Your Senses
One of the most unexpected parts of healing has not been what I see in myself, but what other people see in me. Recently, friends, family, and even people I haven’t seen for a while have been making similar comments. “You look so much more relaxed.” “You seem more confident.” “You’re glowing.” “You smile so… Read More “You Look Different”: The Neuroscience of Finally Feeling Safe
Trauma can leave survivors questioning their own memories, doubting their judgement, and wondering whether what they experienced was “bad enough” to matter. This self-doubt is often the result of years of gaslighting, manipulation, and coercive control, where the perpetrator repeatedly distorts reality until the survivor begins to mistrust their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The psychological… Read More When Abuse Is Minimized: The Hidden Psychological Harm
For many survivors, divorce is one chapter. A financial settlement is another. Neither of those processes necessarily addresses what happened behind closed doors. Legal matters determine how assets are divided, where people live, and how finances are resolved. They do not automatically acknowledge years of coercive control, emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, intimidation, or violence. For many… Read More Why Having Abuse Recognised Matters: The Psychology and Neuroscience of Acknowledgement
Supporting someone after an abusive or controlling relationship is not about having all the answers. It is about creating an environment where they can feel safe, respected and free to rebuild their confidence at their own pace. Small, consistent acts of kindness often make a greater difference than dramatic gestures. What to Do ✓ Listen… Read More Helping Someone Recover After Abuse: What to Do—and What Not to Do
No survivor of abuse wakes up and says, “Today, I’ll spend my time in a police station, reporting the person I once loved.” No one who is already fighting just to survive chooses to put themselves through the overwhelming stress of making statements, giving evidence in court, and reliving their trauma in front of strangers. The idea… Read More Deeply Harmful
When family members involve children or grandchildren in denying, minimizing, or covering up abusive behaviour, it places enormous psychological pressure on everyone involved — especially the younger generations. From a neuroscience and psychology perspective, several dynamics often overlap: For the people witnessing this, the impact can be profound: One of the hardest parts is that… Read More Involving Children and Grandchildren
When someone looks away, avoids eye contact, or struggles to maintain eye contact when talking about their past or past relationships, it can mean many things — and neuroscience reminds us not to jump to conclusions. It is not automatically “lying” or “hiding.” Often, it is about nervous system activation. 🧠 The neuroscience of looking away Eye… Read More Avoiding Eye Contact
Linda C J Turner | Trauma Therapist & Emotional Healing Specialist 