Journey to Healing:

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.

These patterns were likely learned, not chosen—and that means they can be unlearned too. Healing from people-pleasing isn’t about becoming selfish or cold—it’s about coming back to yourself with love, boundaries, and a voice that’s finally heard.

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

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.

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

When you're caught in dissociation, it can feel like there’s no easy way back to the here and now. The good news is: it is possible to ground yourself again—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Let's talk about some grounding techniques that actually work when you're dissociating.

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

The truth is, dissociation is a natural response to overwhelming stress or trauma, and many people experience it to some degree.

This isn’t your fault. Your brain is doing what it was wired to do, but healing is possible.

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

It’s not just about what’s happening right now; it’s about everything that moment reminds your nervous system of.

It’s about learning how to carry your past in a way that no longer controls you, rather than pretending it never happened.

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.

But here’s the truth: You don’t have to remember everything to heal from trauma. Healing isn’t about unlocking every memory...

Attachment wounds form when our caregivers, parents, guardians, or significant figures are unable to meet our emotional needs consistently.

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.

Seven tips to help maintain healthy relationships while healing from your own trauma, from a North Dakota trauma therapist.