For many trauma survivors, boundaries can feel confusing. Some of us were never taught how to set them. Others learned that boundaries would be punished, ignored, or used against us. And when we finally do begin to set them, we might wonder: Am I being too much? Too distant? Too harsh? At The Soaring Center, […]
Boundaries Are Not Walls: How to Set Limits Without Cutting People Off Read More »
Healing from trauma is not a straight line. Some days bring clarity, and others feel like starting over. Amid this uncertainty, one of the most supportive tools we can offer ourselves, or those we care for, is a steady, simple routine. At The Soaring Center, we often say that healing does not require perfection. It
The Healing Power of Routine: Creating Safety Through Structure After Trauma Read More »
In schools, offices, and community spaces, we often hear the same terms repeated: “non-compliant,” “disruptive,” “resistant,” or simply, “difficult.” These labels are meant to describe behavior. But too often, they shut down deeper understanding and miss the full story. At The Soaring Center, we believe it’s time to pause and ask: What if what we
From Compliance to Compassion: Rethinking ‘Difficult’ Behavior in Schools and Workplaces Read More »
Reconciliation work requires more than good intentions. It demands a structured approach grounded in both practical wisdom and spiritual insight. In A Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0, Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil offers exactly that: a comprehensive framework for individuals and communities seeking authentic healing across racial, cultural, and social divides. The Evolution of a Reconciliation Framework
Book Review: “A Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0” by Brenda Salter McNeil Read More »
Justice systems are beginning to shift in meaningful ways. One of the most important changes is the growing recognition that survivors of violence should be heard, supported, and involved in shaping how justice is defined and delivered. Moving away from models that focus only on punishment, more systems are starting to center survivor healing and
Transforming Justice Systems: Centering Survivor Voices in Legal Reforms Read More »
When we struggle with persistent fears, anxieties, or behavioral patterns that seem to have no clear origin in our personal experiences, we might be experiencing something deeper than individual psychology. In his groundbreaking work, It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle, Mark Wolynn
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What Is a Trauma Bond? A trauma bond is a strong emotional attachment that develops in relationships where there is a repeated cycle of abuse followed by reconciliation. These bonds are not built on love or trust, but on fear, control, and intermittent reinforcement. Survivors may feel emotionally stuck in harmful relationships, even when they
Understanding Trauma Bonds: A Path to Freedom and Healing Read More »
In recent years, a growing awareness of mental health and its impact on workplace productivity has sparked a revolution in corporate culture. At the forefront of this movement is the implementation of trauma-informed policies, designed to create a more supportive, understanding, and ultimately healthier work environment. This approach recognizes that many employees carry the weight
Workplace Revolution: Implementing Trauma-Informed Policies for a Healthier Culture Read More »
In The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris presents a groundbreaking exploration of the profound impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have on lifelong health and well-being. This compelling work combines scientific research, personal anecdotes, and practical insights to shed light on the critical connection between early-life stress
Educated is a powerful and thought-provoking account of Tara Westover’s journey from a sheltered, isolated upbringing in rural Idaho to becoming a Cambridge-educated historian. This remarkable story of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of education has captivated readers worldwide since its publication in 2018. The Unconventional Beginnings Born to survivalist Mormon parents in the
At The Soaring Center, we advocate for narratives that uplift survivors, deepen public understanding of gender-based violence, and center prevention through community accountability and empowerment. That’s why the Netflix series Adolescence, while haunting and timely in its exploration of toxic masculinity, left us troubled by what it fails to say, and who it fails to
In Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery, Siddharth Kara provides a harrowing and comprehensive look into one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. This meticulously researched work offers readers an unprecedented glimpse into the dark underbelly of the global sex trafficking industry, combining rigorous academic analysis with deeply moving
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In a world where survivors of sexual assault often struggle to find their voice, Chanel Miller’s memoir “Know My Name” emerges as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of storytelling. As we at The Soaring Center continue our mission to support and empower survivors, this narrative serves as both an inspiration
Book Review: “Know My Name: A Memoir” – Chanel Miller Read More »
When we face life’s greatest challenges, the journey toward healing can often feel isolating. Whether it’s recovering from trauma, navigating loss, or coping with systemic oppression, the weight of these experiences can be overwhelming. Yet, within this darkness lies a powerful source of light: peer support. At its core, peer support is about connection, understanding,
The Power of Peer Support: Building Communities of Healing and Strength Read More »
Leadership is often associated with vision, strategy, and innovation—qualities necessary to drive organizations forward. However, one critical aspect of leadership that is often overlooked is the capacity to understand and respond to the impact of trauma. Trauma-informed leadership is not just a buzzword; it is a transformative approach that prioritizes empathy, safety, and resilience, fostering
Bridging the Gap: Trauma-Informed Practices in Leadership Development Read More »
In a world where trauma and its effects are increasingly recognized, “What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing” emerges as a beacon of understanding and hope. Co-authored by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Bruce D. Perry and media icon Oprah Winfrey, this groundbreaking book offers a fresh perspective on how past experiences shape our
The #MeToo movement sparked a seismic shift in how we talk about and address sexual harassment and assault. It provided a platform for survivors to share their stories, bringing light to a pervasive issue that had long been shrouded in silence and shame. Yet, as we witness the power of this movement, it’s crucial to
Beyond the Hashtag: Sustaining the Momentum of #MeToo Read More »
Parenting can be one of the most rewarding yet complex journeys, especially when a child has experienced trauma. As someone who has spent over 20 years advocating for and representing children who have faced significant challenges, I understand the critical importance of trauma-informed parenting in supporting our youth on their paths to healing. Understanding Trauma
Trauma-Informed Parenting: Supporting Children Through Healing Read More »
Invisible Chains by Benjamin Perrin is a harrowing and eye-opening examination of a hidden crisis that many overlook. Perrin, a legal scholar and human rights advocate, exposes the grim realities of human trafficking in Canada, offering a deeply researched and compassionate account of the lives affected by this brutal industry. At The Soaring Center, where
Book Review: “Invisible Chains: Canada’s Underground World of Human Trafficking” Read More »
Creating trauma-informed environments is foundational to the work we do at The Soaring Center. For survivors of trauma, having access to safe spaces that foster understanding and respect is essential. Trauma reshapes how people experience the world, often affecting their ability to trust, engage, and feel at ease. Our commitment is to build spaces that
Creating Safe Spaces: How to Foster a Trauma-Informed Environment Read More »
“One of the essential requirements for true spiritual growth and deep personal transformation is coming to peace with pain.”― Michael A. Singer, The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer offers a profound exploration into the essence of self and the nature of consciousness. This book invites readers to
Book Review: “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” Read More »
Art has always been a powerful means of expression, a way to communicate what words often cannot capture. For survivors of trauma, the journey to healing can be complex and multifaceted. Traditional talk therapy is incredibly valuable, but sometimes, the path to recovery requires different tools. Creative therapies offer a unique and profoundly effective way
Healing through Art: Creative Therapies for Trauma Recovery Read More »
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”― Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment At The Soaring Center, where our mission is to support and uplift trauma survivors, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle feels like a heartfelt companion on
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“As long as the demand exists, our children are at risk. In my experience, there is no shortage of evil men intent on exploiting weaker young girls to gratify their selfish greed. And their desires are never satisfied.” ― Theresa Flores, The Slave Across the Street Theresa Flores’s The Slave Across the Street is a
I’m thrilled to share a recent milestone from my journey with The Soaring Center. During my recent trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, I had the honor of meeting with Rachel Luschen, the Executive Director of Unbound Now Indonesia. Our discussion was a powerful reflection of the incredible work Unbound Now Indonesia is doing to combat human
Unbound Now Indonesia: A Beacon of Hope in the Fight Against Human Trafficking Read More »
As an advocate for survivors of sexual assault, I have seen firsthand the overwhelming challenges that come with seeking justice. The legal system can feel like an intricate maze, daunting and difficult to navigate, especially when you are already dealing with the trauma of an assault. My goal in this post is to provide some
Navigating the Legal Maze: A Guide for Sexual Assault Survivors Read More »
As a dedicated advocate for survivors of trauma and sexual assault, I have had the profound honor of witnessing countless stories of resilience and transformation. These stories are not just about survival; they are about the incredible strength, courage, and determination that individuals summon to reclaim their lives, seek justice, and inspire others. Today, I
Survivor Voices: Transformative Stories of Resilience Read More »
“From the moment they’re recruited to the time they’re ‘rescued’ and deported, trafficked women are terrorized. Every single day they face a world stacked heavily against them.” – Victor Malarek, The Natashas Victor Malarek’s “The Natashas: Inside the New Global Sex Trade” is a gripping and eye-opening examination of the global sex trafficking industry. Through
Book Review: “The Natashas: Inside the New Global Sex Trade” by Victor Malarek Read More »
“Over time I learned that there were a lot of people who would judge you, blame you, and try to make you feel lesser, no matter what you did; that a degree, a good suit, and a career wouldn’t always insulate you from scorn.” ― Rachel Lloyd, Girls Like Us As someone deeply engaged in advocating for
Empowering Insights: “Girls Like Us” by Rachel Lloyd Read More »
Trauma is a journey, one that is often fraught with challenges, setbacks, and moments of profound healing. In this blog post, we’ll explore the empowering journeys of individuals navigating trauma and healing, and the resilience and strength they embody along the way. The Trauma Experience Trauma comes in many forms, from childhood abuse to accidents,
Empowering Journeys: Navigating Trauma and Healing Read More »
