The Resilient Mind

In today's episode, Natalie walks through some of the different responses people are having to the coronavirus pandemic and everything that comes along with it.

Natalie shared a quote from Annie Wright in the episode. You can find more info about Annie and the work she does here: website here: http://anniewrightpsycotherapy.com

In today's episode, we discuss the many fears, anxieties, and uncertainties we are all facing amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Natalie reminds us that we are not alone in this crisis, and that we will, eventually, get through this together. 

In today's episode, Natalie discusses what trauma looks like for people who are high-functioning and "successful," yet have a complex trauma history. She explains how trauma doesn't always look the same for everybody. After describing some of the struggles that these individuals may face, Natalie provides some helpful tips on how to stay grounded and present while maintaining balance. She also shares some ways to be supportive of friends and family who may be high-functioning trauma survivors. 

In this episode, we discuss avoidance. In particular, Natalie explains how avoidance of pain, trauma, emotions, among other things, can impact the healing process. She shares some practical advice on how to handle avoidance when it comes up. We also discuss the importance of self compassion when juggling avoidance and processing trauma. Natalie touches on avoidance in people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and offers some helpful tips on how to address avoidance in general, whether in daily life or during therapy. 

In this episode, we discuss the all too common idea that people are "broken." Natalie explains the difference between guilt and shame. She also defines chronic shame and explains how it can affect trauma survivors. We discuss some of the seemingly unhealthy or dysfunctional ways in which survivors have learned to cope with their trauma, and Natalie shares some helpful ways to approach the shame that often comes with these coping mechanisms. Finally, Natalie offers encouragement and hope to trauma survivors who feel like they themselves are "broken." 

In this episode, Natalie gives advice on how to navigate the feelings of loneliness that are often experienced during the healing process. She also shares some tips on how to validate and support others in the healing process, as well as how to build a support group through individual therapy, group therapy and other communities. 

In this episode, Natalie explains the concept of "pacing" in the therapy process. She discusses how each person has a unique healing process and there is no "right way" or "right amount of time" for therapy to take place. Natalie also emphasizes the importance of being patient with one's self in the healing process, and that sometimes, "the slower you go, the faster you get there."