When you experience the unimaginable, it seems as if life will never be the same...

How to Help Victims of Trauma

The most important thing to remember about trauma is that it is possible to heal from it.  Even the most horrific circumstances can be overcome and people can actually end up being stronger because of the traumatic events.  While people cannot control the things that happen to them, they can control how they respond to them.  And you can help them do that.  As someone who works with those who have experienced trauma, you are in a unique position to provide the skills to help them to heal and the hope that they are capable of healing. 

How Do I Know?

I've sat in the chair as a therapist for many clients. And I have also sat in the chair as a client. I was a victim of incest and physical abuse for many years.

• I know how it feels when it seems like no one cares or understands
• I know how it feels to be alienated and alone from peers and family
• I know how it feels to stay silent because it seemed like I spoke another language
• I know how it feels to have sleepless nights to prevent myself from having terrifying nightmares... 

But today and everyday, I am able to have a loving and close relationship with my spouse, children, and friends and am able to live a rich and full life.

I could not have gone through the healing process without borrowing my therapist’s belief in my ability to heal and his hope that I would do so.  It was many years before I had that hope and belief in myself. 

It is my hope that this website will help you to help those with whom you work.  It will contain articles, resources, and books to aid you as you work with trauma survivors.  It will also encourage you to care for yourselves as you care for others.  To that end, there will be links to products that can support you in your own self-care.  There will also be links to other websites that can further deepen your understanding of the healing process and provide resources you can use with your clients.