The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic 20th century novel, tells the story of Mary Lennox, a girl relocated to England following the deaths of her parents. As she copes with her grief, she also faces ill health, loneliness and a slew of additional concerns that we now would recognize as major stressors. As you… read more
The Power of Mind-Body Approaches In Trauma Recovery, ft. Regina Tosca, LICSW
What is integrative (mind-body) medicine? We used to think that our mental, emotional, and physical health were completely separate. If you wanted to treat one, you didn’t have to consult with the others. Yet as our knowledge has advanced, we’ve learned that this old myth is far from true. This has led to the rise… read more
Making It Through a Trauma Anniversary
What is a Trauma Anniversary? Certain times of year bring old memories and associations to mind—for example, the holiday season may find you thinking more about family or personal ties, whereas the summer might get you focused on planning your next getaway. Much of the time, these associations are pleasant and connected to strong memories… read more
End Your Addiction With EMDR, ft. Sara Staggs, LICSW
Seeking treatment for addiction is a powerful first step on your recovery journey. You’re probably familiar with the more traditional models of recovery, like 12-step programs and talk therapy—indeed, these modalities can prove highly effective. Yet for some of us, traditional therapies aren’t quite enough to help us reach our recovery goals. In these instances,… read more
What Do Our Nightmares Mean?
Sleep is supposed to be restful; yet when we’re having a nightmare, it’s anything but. Whether we’re being terrorized by a fictional monster (that girl from The Ring, anyone?) or grieving a dreamed loss, nightmares steal our energy away rather than restoring it. So why do we have nightmares? And how can we reduce their… read more
Am I Living With PTSD?
What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Many people have heard the term “PTSD” in public discourse, particularly regarding issues of sexual assault and military combat, but aren’t totally clear on what it is or how it works in the brain. While our knowledge of trauma is constantly growing, here’s a basic overview of what clinicians and… read more
What is Trauma Informed Care? Ft. Dr. Julie Lopez, LICSW
More and more therapists are describing themselves as “trauma-informed” or “experienced in trauma care”—but what does that mean, and how can trauma-informed care (TIC) benefit those of us seeking treatment? Dr. Julie Lopez, the leader of the Viva Center’s Trauma Informed Clinical Practice Certificate Program, helps us break down how TIC can affect your wellness… read more
Reclaiming Your Sexual Self After Trauma, ft. Alina McClerklin, LICSW
The effects of trauma are multifaceted; it can alter not only our mood, but also the sensations we feel in our body, such as headaches, gastrointestinal distress, and more. It can even make us feel as though we’ve lost control of essential parts of ourselves; many survivors of sexual trauma, for example, struggle to regain their sense of control over their own sexuality.
How can we reclaim this essential part of ourselves and learn to find joy from it? We looked to experienced therapists, including Viva Practitioner Alina McClerklin, LICSW, and sex therapist Vanessa Marin, for ways to regain one’s sense of control.
The (Easy) Science Behind 3 Brain-Based Therapies
The Brain: our most amazing control center. In 2017, as our knowledge of this organ grows, the ways to enhance brain function and tap into its power to heal, change, and regenerate do too. What brain based strategies are out there, and how can you use them to better your mental health? We explore three… read more
Do I Need Brainspotting?
Many people go through life carrying the weight of the past on their shoulders. In fact, it is likely that everyone has experienced a traumatic event that has caused physical and/or emotional damage and distress. These events linger through ones life and may cause feelings of sadness, anger, anxiousness, and a whole array of other emotions. Even… read more
