Arlene Kauffman, LMFT

12/21/2025

15 Sentenced that Changed My Perspective Forever.

12/21/2025

12/15/2025

God never promises a life free from trouble, but He does promise His presence in every storm. Life will bring challenges that feel overwhelming, seasons that test your strength, and moments where the path ahead feels uncertain. There will be deep waters that threaten to pull you under, rushing rivers that seem too strong to cross, and blazing fires that feel impossible to endure. Yet through every one of these trials, God does not step back or look away. He steps closer. His presence remains steady when everything else feels unstable.

You are never asked to face hardship alone. When the waters rise, God is with you, keeping you from being consumed. When the currents grow strong, He steadies your footing and carries you through. When the fire burns hot, He stands beside you so the flames do not destroy you. The struggle may be real, the pain may be real, and the fear may be real — but so is His faithfulness. God’s presence doesn’t always remove the storm, but it gives you the strength to survive it, the courage to keep moving, and the peace to trust Him in the middle of it.

Every trial becomes a reminder that you are held, guided, and protected. God’s presence is constant when answers feel delayed, when outcomes are unclear, and when hope feels fragile. He does not abandon you in your suffering or leave you to figure things out on your own. Instead, He walks with you through every season, proving again and again that no storm is stronger than His care.

The trials may be real, but so is His faithful presence — unwavering, unchanging, and always near.

12/15/2025

Your brain isn't wired to store everything. When thoughts pile up inside, focus becomes harder, emotions rise quickly, and working memory is reduced.

The moment you move something out of your head your brain can finally exhale and make space for what is really important. 🧠

11/18/2025

*ℹ️🌿 THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF FLASHBACKS & DISSOCIATIVE EPISODES |

Recently, a very painful and triggering event dropped me into a deep hole of flashbacks and dissociation. Over the next few months, a series of other events threw me into more flashbacks, deep dissociative states, and depression. Like being tossed and rolled endlessly in the raging waves and surf of a stormy, violent sea you can never find a quick escape because you are never sure which way is up or down.

And, even in the moments when you think you have found the way up and out, you are slammed again by another ferocious breaker that leaves you stunned and pushes you back down into the deep, dark abyss.

Read the Full Article: https://cptsdfoundation.org/2023/01/05/the-downward-spiral-of-flashbacks-dissociative-episodes/
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If you’re a recovering survivor of CPTSD and you're ready to connect with a community of co-survivors who are learning to safely reconnect with themselves, rebuild self-worth, and form healthy, nurturing relationships, your journey toward healing and wholeness begins here.

Join us today and embrace the support you truly deserve.
To learn more and register, visit: https://cptsdfoundation.org/dailyrecoverysupport/

11/18/2025

The Way We Talk to Our Children Becomes Their Inner Voice

The words we speak to our children don’t just fill the air — they shape the voice they’ll carry inside for the rest of their lives. When we respond with patience, empathy, and encouragement, we’re helping them build an inner dialogue rooted in confidence, self-compassion, and security.

Think about how powerful that is. A gentle “It’s okay to make mistakes” becomes the reassurance they give themselves years later when life feels hard. “I believe in you” turns into self-trust. “You’re safe, I’m here” becomes their ability to self-soothe when they’re overwhelmed.

On the other hand, harsh or dismissive words can plant seeds of self-doubt, fear, or shame. That’s why it’s so important to pause before reacting — especially in moments of frustration. Our tone, our phrasing, and our presence teach children how to talk to themselves long after they’ve grown.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s awareness. Even when we make mistakes, we can model repair by saying, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Let’s try again.” That too becomes part of their inner voice — the part that knows growth and love are always possible.

Your words today become their self-talk tomorrow. Speak to your child the way you want them to speak to themselves.



.tleexplorers_ria

11/07/2025

Trying new things is no luxury; it's a proven and essential mental-health tool that delivers a range of benefits, especially for those who have struggled with depression.

11/07/2025

Both are important! Heading into the business of back-to-school, here are self-care strategies and coping tools for “helpers” (educators, therapy providers, etc.)

Self-care: https://www.theottoolbox.com/self-care-strategies-for-therapists/

Coping tools: https://www.theottoolbox.com/easy-coping-strategy/