Through the Storm Counseling

08/26/2024

I recently became a Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor! I have been a Board Certified National Certified Counselor since 2007 but I just figured out how to use these badges.

10/01/2022

Credit: somatice

08/27/2022

08/25/2022

This is a good explanation of the difference.

Repost from .life.navigation
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Triggered means that something or someone *right now* is reminding my body of something or someone from the past that my body experienced a threat with.

This is important because we believe that the situation or person before us is the source of our pain.

Yet, they're simply our reminder.

Now here's where it gets nuanced. You might irritate me, but that's not threatening to me. However the things you say, do, or believe in that irritate me subconsciously remind my body of a past person or situation where I experienced threat.

So you irritating me is overcoupled with threat.

Once we learn this and understand it we can begin UN-coupling the two. You can irritate me but it doesn't trigger threat or trauma responses in me.

From that place of not getting triggered, what we call clarity, I'm able to notice my preferences. I don't prefer hanging out with you. I'm aware you trigger me AND I'm aware that I'm safe with you and simultaneously irritated.

This uncoupling threat from irritation means I won't enter a trauma response with you and, instead, I'll simply stop engaging in the relationship.

My preferences are just that: what I'd prefer to experience.

My triggers are the people and situations that remind my body of unprocessed traumatic events that still live inside of me.

Understanding the difference lends me the clarity to create boundaries or not *while* continuing to be with the parts of me that need my attention.
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04/27/2022

02/05/2022

This is great!

I Matter provides therapy from licensed clinicians for Colorado youth. Click for more details. http://ow.ly/pE6A50Ht8rL

11/05/2021

The fawn response usually develops in childhood abuse, especially when a parent or significant figure is the abuser. Abuse can be physical, emotional, and/or sexual. These are examples of fawning

source:

10/07/2021

It is so important to show up for yourself, even for moments at a time.

08/19/2021

It is ok to take your time sharing your story

08/15/2021

Give your kids what you wish you'd had.