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Journey to Healing:
Insights to Trauma, Relationships, & Dissociation by a North Dakota & Minnesota Trauma Therapist
Welcome to our blog, where we explore the impact of trauma on relationships, the complexities of dissociation, and the realities of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Here, you'll find insights, support, and resources to help navigate healing and growth. You're not alone—healing is possible, and we're here to help guide the way.


What CPT Therapy Is and How It Helps with Trauma Recovery
At the core of CPT is the idea that trauma can distort our thinking patterns, leading to negative beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. These distorted thoughts, also known as "stuck points," can prevent healing and cause individuals to feel trapped in the trauma’s grip. Through CPT, clients work to identify these stuck points, challenge them, and replace them with healthier, more balanced perspectives.
2 days ago4 min read
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The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Dissociation in Adulthood
At its core, dissociation is a protective response. It’s the mind’s way of disconnecting from something too painful, overwhelming, or threatening to fully process at the time. Dissociation can show up in many different ways, such as:
Feeling numb or emotionally "shut off"
Losing chunks of time (memory gaps)
Feeling like you’re outside of your body
Detaching from your surroundings (feeling like the world isn’t real)
Zoning out during stressful situations
6 days ago2 min read
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IFS Therapy Explained: How Getting to Know Your Parts Can Help You Heal
In IFS, "parts" are inner voices or subpersonalities that each carry their own perspective and role. You might recognize some of your parts without even realizing it—like the part of you that gets super anxious before a big event, the part that criticizes you when you make a mistake, or the part that pushes you to achieve and succeed.
May 133 min read
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Why People-Pleasing Isn’t Just ‘Being Nice’—It’s a Trauma Response
One of the most important truths I want you to hear is this: You are not broken. Your people-pleasing isn’t a flaw—it’s a brilliant protective strategy that helped you survive. But patterns that kept us safe in the past can hold us back in the present.
Healing begins when we can approach these parts of ourselves with compassion. We can start learning that our needs matter too. That saying “no” doesn’t make us selfish. That we are allowed to take up space, have boundaries, & p
May 112 min read
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Why Relationships Feel Hard When You Have a History of Trauma
When you've been hurt in the past, especially by people you trusted, it changes the way you view the world. Trauma can plant deep-seated beliefs like, “I’m not safe,” “I can’t trust anyone,” or “I’m not good enough.” Even when you consciously know a relationship is safe, your nervous system might still stay on high alert, scanning for signs of danger.
It’s not about being "too sensitive" or "overreacting." It's your brain and body doing their best to protect you based on p
May 62 min read
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Debunking Common Myths About Dissociation
The truth is, dissociation is a natural response to overwhelming stress or trauma, and many people experience it to some degree.
Apr 292 min read
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No, You're Not Broken: The Truth About Living with Complex Trauma
Let me be clear: You are not broken. What you’re experiencing is the impact of complex trauma, and there is a reason for everything you feel
Apr 222 min read
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Triggers in Relationships: Why You're Not Overreacting
It’s not just about what’s happening right now; it’s about everything that moment reminds your nervous system of.
Apr 182 min read
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The Myth of Moving On: Why Healing from Trauma Isn't About Forgetting
It’s about learning how to carry your past in a way that no longer controls you, rather than pretending it never happened.
Apr 153 min read
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The Invisible Struggles: Living With Relationship Trauma
It doesn’t always leave visible scars, yet it can shape how you see yourself, how you connect with others, & how safe you feel in the world.
Apr 114 min read
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You Don't Have to Remember Everything to Heal from Trauma
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to remember everything to heal from trauma. Healing isn’t about unlocking every memory...
Apr 83 min read
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Attachment Wounds & Trauma: How They Shape Your Relationships
Attachment wounds form when our caregivers, parents, guardians, or significant figures are unable to meet our emotional needs consistently.
Apr 43 min read
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Why Talking About it isn't Always Enough in Trauma Therapy
Trauma isn’t just stored in the mind—it’s stored in the body and nervous system as well. That’s why healing often requires more than words.
Apr 13 min read
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Big 'T' Trauma vs. Little 't' Trauma: Why Both Matter
Understanding the difference between big 'T' trauma and little 't' trauma—and why both matter—is vital for anyone on a healing journey.
Mar 283 min read
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The Four Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
four common trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Understanding these responses can help you recognize your patterns.
Mar 213 min read
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Complex Trauma: What It Is and How It's Different from PTSD
When we hear the word "trauma," many of us think of single, life-threatening events like accidents, natural disasters, or assaults. While...
Mar 142 min read
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Emotional Trauma: Learning to Heal & Build Resilience After Life's Struggles
Emotional trauma occurs when an individual experiences an event or series of events that cause deep emotional pain, overwhelming distress.
Feb 284 min read
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Neglect & Its Effects: Healing from the Emotional Scars of Unmet Needs
While neglect often begins in childhood, its effects can linger long after a person has grown up, impacting their relationships, self-worth.
Feb 253 min read
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Understanding Relationship Trauma: How to Heal from Betrayal & Rebuild Trust
Relationship trauma can leave you feeling hurt, confused, and unable to trust others—or even yourself.
Feb 213 min read
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Breaking Free from Control & Manipulation: Regaining your Power & Independence
Both forms of mistreatment are designed to make you doubt yourself and your reality, often leading to feelings of confusion, frustration.
Feb 183 min read
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