Throughout my career, it became more evident that a common thread to individuals of all ages was having an experience with trauma. Whether it was trauma from a single-event(s) and/or developmental trauma, if the traumatic experience wasn’t resolved it could be a leading cause outside of biological causes for mental health symptoms, behaviors, social interaction, and other current adverse life circumstances. Research has also shown that developmental experiences of being bullied, ostracized, socially marginalized, and held up to unrealistic expectations can be just as impactful to a confused or negative sense of self while potentially influencing long-term self-esteem. The effect of trauma can impact core belief about ourselves, other people, and the world.

Adverse childhood experiences have been found through research to have potential impacts on physical and mental health symptoms, instability in relationships, loss of employment, non-biological depression, anxiety, phobic disorders and more. Not everyone is going to experience trauma the same or have the same impact from it. Not everyone who experiences adverse childhood experiences and trauma are going to develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

I have completed an 8-month training with the Trauma Research Foundation/Studies founded by Bessel van der Kolk.