Monisha Mitchell, LCSW

10/28/2025

🌾 Renewal Time

Yesterday morning, I took a long quiet nature walk — the kind that slows your thoughts and opens your eyes again. I noticed the heads of grain swaying in the breeze, and it reminded me of the moment in Scripture when Jesus’ disciples walked through the fields, plucking grain on the Sabbath. Even in our striving and rule-keeping, God invites us to rest, to be present, to find renewal in what’s already growing around us.

As I lifted my gaze, a plane traced its path across the open sky. For a moment I wondered where it was going — what stories and destinations waited beyond the clouds. And then I realized: I didn’t need to know. The beauty was in the wondering itself.

That walk was renewal for my mind — a reminder that the sacred isn’t only in big revelations, but in small pauses, the rustle of grain, the hum of an airplane, and the grace to slow down enough to notice both. 🌿
&renew

How will you renew your mind today?

10/24/2025

🍁 As the Week Comes to an End 🍁

As the week comes to an end, the world outside reminds us that change can be beautiful. The trees release what they no longer need, their colors deep and fleeting all at once.

Maybe this week felt heavy — full of deadlines, decisions, or emotions that clung like leaves in the wind. But just as autumn lets go, so can you.

Let the worries fall away like the leaves — gracefully, naturally, without force.
You don’t have to hold it all. Take a breath. Watch the season shift, and remember: even letting go is a kind of growth. 🍂
*picture is the view from my office
💚 ❤️ 🧡 💛 🤎

10/23/2025

Tonight’s How the Body Keeps Score: Understanding Trauma & Healing seminar was such a meaningful evening. ✨
I had the privilege of spending two hours in deep conversation with an intimate group, exploring how trauma impacts the mind, body, and brain — and, most importantly, how healing truly begins.

Grateful for every person who showed up with openness and curiosity.
This work continues to remind me: healing happens in connection, awareness, and compassion. 💚

10/21/2025

I’m thrilled to share that I recently joined the team at Unmasked: A Mental Health Podcast for a deeply meaningful conversation titled “A Therapist’s View: What Truly Defines Trauma?.” 🎙️

In the episode, we explore what differentiates traumatic experiences from simply difficult ones — and what it really takes to heal and move forward. I had the honor of sitting down alongside Dr. Courtney Ward and Amber Nunes to unpack this complex topic from a clinician’s viewpoint.

Being invited to share my perspective as a licensed therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with this audience was such an honor. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a space that helps shine light on mental wellness and trauma healing. If you’re looking for a deeper dive join me tomorrow for How the Body Keeps Score: Understanding Trauma and Healing (see comments)

I hope you’ll give the episode a listen — whether you’re on your own healing journey, supporting someone else, or simply curious about how trauma impacts us and what healing can look like. Thank you to the entire Unmasked team for the invitation and the meaningful work you’re doing.

💡 Feel free to drop your thoughts, reflections or questions after you listen — I’d love to hear your take!

Welcome back to  Unmasked ! Dr. Courtney Ward and Amber Nunes are joined by a special guest,  Monisha Mitchell, LCSW, CCTP  (owner of Monisha Mitchell, LCSW, LLC). In this vital episode, we dive into the complex topic of  trauma .

10/10/2025

Out of Office
Following World Mental Health Day with a few days of mental rest.

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

🌍 World Mental Health Day:
A Call to Prioritize Healing

Every year on October 10, we recognize World Mental Health Day — a global reminder that our mental health is foundational, not optional.

Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, this day aims to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and mobilize support for mental health across the world. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people globally live with a mental health condition — and anxiety disorders have become the most common, affecting over 300 million people. These numbers remind us that mental health isn’t a niche topic — it’s a shared human experience.

This year’s theme focuses on “mental health as a universal human right.” And yet, we continue to see a steady rise in anxiety, burnout, and trauma-related distress — reminders of how deeply modern life impacts our nervous systems and sense of safety. All while there is less and less access to healthcare, which comes at greater expense as people experience more financial hardship. In the midst of this collective strain, many are beginning to recognize that what we call “stress” or “anxiety” can sometimes be the residue of unprocessed pain — the kind that lingers quietly beneath the surface.

Trauma isn’t defined only by the event itself, but by its impact. It’s the lingering imprint of experiences that overwhelm our ability to cope or leave us feeling unsafe in our own bodies or relationships.

We often minimize those impacts — pushing through, staying busy, telling ourselves “it wasn’t that bad.” But healing begins when we pause long enough to notice what our mind and body have been trying to carry alone.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s move beyond awareness toward action:
• Check in on ourselves and others
• Practice self care and rest
• Reach out for therapy -it’s not for the mentally ill, it is a means of maintaining mental well being

Promoting mental health means creating spaces where healing is accessible, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based care — exactly the kind of work I’m honored to do each day. 💚

Monisha Mitchell, LCSW, CCTP

10/08/2025

Don’t wait to reserve your seat for
How the Body Keeps Score: Understanding Trauma & Healing.
Join us in this compassionate and safe space for learning

Purchase Your Ticket Now — Only 10 Spots Left!

09/30/2025

Do you know someone who has experienced trauma?

Many people think of trauma as combat stress or surviving a natural disaster. But trauma can also be the sudden loss of a loved one, a life-threatening illness, or an accident. It may come from domestic violence, childhood abuse or neglect, community violence, or other deeply distressing events that leave a lasting mark.

If you or someone you care about is navigating the impact of trauma, understanding it is the first step toward healing. I invite you to join me for this seminar, where we’ll explore how trauma affects both the mind and body in a supportive and compassionate space for curiosity.

09/25/2025

You’ll learn: • How trauma impacts the mind and body • Evidenced-based best practices to treat trauma • Key insights from The Body Keeps the Score Plus: Q&A in a supportive space

09/25/2025

Understanding Complex Trauma: What It Is and How Healing Happens

⸻

Introduction

Complex trauma is more common than many people realize, yet it’s often misunderstood. Unlike a single traumatic event, complex trauma develops from repeated or prolonged experiences of stress, fear, or harm — often beginning in childhood. Whether you’re a survivor, a loved one, or someone simply looking to understand, knowing what complex trauma is can be the first step toward healing.

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What Is Complex Trauma?

Complex trauma (sometimes called C-PTSD) refers to repeated traumatic experiences that occur over time, often in situations where escape feels impossible. This type of trauma affects not only the body and brain but also how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.

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Complex PTSD and the DSM

While Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is not currently a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

In clinical practice, many therapists and trauma specialists still use the term because it accurately captures the experiences and symptoms of clients with prolonged or repeated trauma, even though they may officially be diagnosed with PTSD or another related condition.

Understanding this distinction helps reduce confusion and validates the very real experiences of those living with complex trauma, even if the label isn’t universally standardized in the DSM.

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How Complex Trauma Impacts the Brain and Body

Trauma isn’t “just in your head.” It lives in the nervous system, shaping how the brain and body respond to stress. Common effects include:
• Hypervigilance: Always being on alert, even when safe
• Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from your thoughts, emotions, or body
• Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions like fear, anger, or sadness
• Relationship challenges: Struggling to trust or connect with others

Neuroscience shows that trauma changes the wiring of the brain, particularly in areas responsible for safety, memory, and regulation — but the brain can also re-wire itself with consistent, compassionate healing.

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Signs You May Be Experiencing the Adverse Effects of Complex Trauma
• Persistent anxiety or fear
• Feeling emotionally numb or detached
• Patterns of unhealthy relationships
• Difficulty feeling safe, even in safe situations
• Physical symptoms like fatigue, tension, or digestive issues

Many of my clients also report ear ringing, jaw or fist clenching, constipation, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and tingling in extremities without a clear medical explanation.

⸻

The Path to Healing

Healing from complex trauma is a journey — and it’s absolutely possible. Effective approaches often include, but not limited to:
• Somatic therapies: Helping the body release stored trauma and regulate the nervous system
• Internal Family Systems (IFS): Understanding and integrating different “parts” of the self including exiles (the parts of a person that protect that person by “holding” the traumatic memories)
• Safe relationships: Building trust and connection over time
And healing necessitates caring for ones basic needs (sleep, movement and nutrition).

Remember, healing is not linear. It’s about progress, not perfection.

⸻

Final Thoughts

If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, know this: what happened to you is not your fault, and you are not broken. With the right support, your brain and body can learn to feel safe again. Therapy can provide the tools and compassionate connection needed to begin that journey.

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References
• Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. (2013). Treating Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. Guilford Press.
• Ford, J. D., & Courtois, C. A. (2020). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Scientific and Professional Dimensions. Academic Press.
• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books.
• Levine, P. A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books.
• Schwartz, R. C. (2021). No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Sounds True.
• van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
• World Health Organization. (2019). International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11). WHO.

09/24/2025

How the Body Keeps Score:
Understanding Trauma & Healing

This two hour seminar is designed to provide accessible, research-based information on how trauma affects both the mind and body. It is especially valuable for loved ones of individuals who have experienced trauma and wish to better understand, support, and walk alongside them.

As a Therapist for over 20 years, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, my work is informed by my instructor and author of The Body Keeps the Score Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. During this seminar, we will explore key insights from this foundational work and evidence-based practices for healing.

This event is open to anyone seeking knowledge, compassion, and a deeper understanding of trauma and healing. I would be honored to have you join me.

Please register here:

How the Body Keeps Score: Understading Trauma & Healing | Monisha Mitchell, LC
*link in comments

Includes a copy of the book
The Body Keeps the Score

Please use the QR Code to pay or Monisha Mitchell LCSW LLC via Zelle
Note: Once registered and paid you will receive an email confirmation.