Tag: #trauma

Trauma refers to an emotional or psychological response to an event or series of events that are distressing or disturbing, often exceeding an individual’s ability to cope. Traumatic experiences can be diverse and may include situations such as accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, combat, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, leading to a range of symptoms and challenges.

When Men Never Get Over a Relationship: The Psychology and Neuroscience of Bitterness

Breakups are hard for everyone. But while many eventually grieve, process, and grow, some men never truly recover from a lost relationship. Instead, they spend decades carrying resentment, turning their disappointment with one woman into a broader hostility toward all women. This bitterness doesn’t just hurt their partners; it corrodes their own lives, trapping them in cycles… Read More When Men Never Get Over a Relationship: The Psychology and Neuroscience of Bitterness

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Characteristics of Hidden Cruelty

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner

“Hidden cruelty,” —likely referencing Alice Miller’s work on poisonous pedagogy—refers to subtle, socially accepted forms of harm inflicted on children that are not overtly recognized as abuse. Unlike obvious physical violence or screaming, hidden cruelty is covert, psychologically manipulative, or morally justified, making it hard for both children and society to label it as abusive. Let’s break it… Read More Characteristics of Hidden Cruelty

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Early Childhood Trauma and Abuse

A person who is angry and abusive throughout their life usually has deep-rooted patterns that begin early and are reinforced over time. It’s rarely a single cause—more often, it’s a complex mix of childhood experiences, temperament, neurobiology, and social learning. Here’s a detailed breakdown: 1. Early Childhood Trauma and Abuse Exposure to violence or harsh discipline: Growing up… Read More Early Childhood Trauma and Abuse

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The Importance of Early Mother-Infant Bonding

1. The Importance of Early Mother-Infant Bonding The first weeks of life are critical for attachment formation, a concept studied extensively by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Infants develop a sense of safety and trust primarily through consistent, sensitive caregiving, usually from the mother or primary caregiver. Separation from the mother in this window, especially if prolonged,… Read More The Importance of Early Mother-Infant Bonding

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Alice Miller

The introduction to the first chapter in Miller’s first book, The Drama of the Gifted Child, first published in 1979, contains a line that summarises her core view. In it, she writes: Experience has taught us that we have only one enduring weapon in our struggle against mental illness: the emotional discovery and emotional acceptance of… Read More Alice Miller

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Trauma Bonding or Stockholm Syndrome?

the two concepts are often confused or used interchangeably, but they actually come from slightly different origins and describe different (though overlapping) dynamics. Let me walk you through the difference step by step: 1. Origins First coined in the 1970s after a hostage situation in Stockholm, Sweden. Observers noticed that some hostages developed emotional attachment… Read More Trauma Bonding or Stockholm Syndrome?

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How Animals Support Healing After Abuse

1. Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief Oxytocin Release: Interaction with animals—petting, hugging, or even eye contact—triggers the release of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and calms the nervous system, which is often hypervigilant after trauma. Cortisol Reduction: Spending time with pets decreases cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone. This helps counter… Read More How Animals Support Healing After Abuse

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 Physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner

Abuse can be confusing because the lines between categories often blur—but having clear definitions and a checklist can help you recognize patterns and validate your experience. Here’s a breakdown of physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, along with signs to watch for: 1. Physical Abuse Definition:Intentional use of force that causes pain, injury, or the threat… Read More  Physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse

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