When people hear the word flashback, they often imagine vivid memories or scenes replaying in someone’s mind. But not all flashbacks involve images. Sometimes, a survivor suddenly feels overwhelmed by fear, shame, panic, or helplessness without understanding why. There may be no clear memory attached to it, only an intense emotional reaction that seems to […]
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Some books change how we understand trauma. Others change how entire fields respond to it. Trauma and Recovery by psychiatrist Judith Herman is one of those rare works. First published in 1992, it remains one of the most influential texts in trauma psychology, shaping decades of research, clinical practice, and survivor advocacy. With remarkable clarity,
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Some trauma stories are told in fragments. Others are told through silence. In What My Bones Know, journalist Stephanie Foo offers something different: a deeply personal, rigorously researched exploration of complex PTSD that bridges memoir, science, and the ongoing search for healing. This is a story not only about what happened, but about what it
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There is a moment in healing that no one really prepares you for. It is not the beginning, where everything feels raw and uncertain.It is not the breakthrough, where things finally start to make sense. It is the quiet, in-between moment when you start to realize:the way you relate to people is changing. You might
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Not all trauma responses are loud. Some look like constant agreement. Like saying yes when you want to say no. Like prioritizing other people’s needs so consistently that your own begin to disappear. This is often called the fawn response, and for many survivors, it is one of the most misunderstood survival strategies. At The
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Trauma is often spoken of as something that happened in the past. But for many survivors, it does not feel past. It lives in the body in flashes of fear, in chronic tension, in patterns of shutdown or hypervigilance that seem to arise without warning. In The Body Keeps the Score, psychiatrist and trauma researcher
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Many of us carry invisible wounds from childhood, patterns of self-criticism, chronic anxiety, emotional reactivity, and a deep, wordless sense that something was off. The Body Never Lies makes clear why these experiences are not just in the mind, but embodied truths rooted in early relational pain. In this deeply insightful work, Alice Miller bridges
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Trauma does not only live in individual histories. Sometimes, it lives in bodies, cultures, and collective memory. My Grandmother’s Hands offers an unparalleled exploration of how racialized trauma, particularly in Black bodies, is held in the nervous system and passed through generations. Through a somatic lens, the book reframes trauma not as a psychological problem
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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
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Burnout is not just about being tired. It is a full-body, full-heart signal that something has gone beyond sustainable. For trauma survivors, burnout can feel especially intense, often echoing old wounds of powerlessness, disconnection, or pushing beyond limits to survive. Recovery requires more than rest. It requires repair, compassion, and strong boundaries. At The Soaring
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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
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Trauma can shatter lives, leaving individuals feeling broken and lost. Yet, from the depths of despair, some people find a way to not only survive but to thrive. This phenomenon, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), represents a profound transformation that can occur in the wake of adversity. This comprehensive exploration delves into the journey from
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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
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
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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
“…it really struck me that, just as people might look at me and never imagine I’d worked as a prostitute, they must look at some of those girls and see only the alienation and disaffection that hides their on fears and hurt.” ― Sophie Hayes, Trafficked Trafficked by Sophie Hayes is a raw, powerful memoir that sheds
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
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“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
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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
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“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
“When we heal from trauma, what was shattered becomes whole again. We learn to claim aspects of self that got lost or frozen and integrate these with our growing capacities. Part of this will involve a new identity that grows out of this process. As we recognize our resources and our wholeness, a new me
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
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“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
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When supporting survivors of trauma, every word matters. Language has the power to either empower or retraumatize survivors, making it crucial to adopt a trauma-informed approach in communication. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of trauma-informed language and how it can foster a safe and supportive environment for survivors on their healing journey.
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Trauma has a profound impact on individuals, leaving scars that can affect every aspect of their lives. However, with the right therapeutic approaches, healing is possible. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the therapeutic approaches used in trauma recovery, offering insights into how they work and their potential benefits for survivors. Understanding Trauma
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Abuse, in its many forms, casts a long shadow over the lives of survivors, leaving scars that may take years to heal. Yet, within the darkness, there exists a glimmer of hope—a pathway to healing and empowerment through education and awareness. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of educating ourselves and others about
Educate and Empower: Information on Abuse and Trauma Recovery Read More »
Surviving trauma is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. However, the journey towards healing and recovery often requires intentional effort and support. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of building resilience for trauma survivors through informative processes, offering insights and strategies to empower individuals on their path to healing. Understanding
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In a world where the wounds of childhood sexual abuse can leave deep scars, “The Courage to Heal” by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis emerges as a beacon of hope—a guidebook for women survivors navigating the tumultuous terrain of their past. In this blog post, we delve into the profound insights and transformative wisdom offered
