🌱 Healing Check-In 🌱

Have you ever found yourself begging people to treat you better instead of just walking away? Yeah, same. Let’s not sugarcoat it—this is often tied to unresolved childhood trauma. And guess what? You’re not alone in this.

For some of us, it’s still hard to walk away. We cling to what feels familiar, even when it hurts. But here’s the truth: you deserve better, and it’s okay if you’re not there yet. Recognizing the pattern is already a step forward.

Why Do We Stay?

If you grew up feeling like love had to be earned or that you had to shrink yourself to keep the peace, leaving unhealthy dynamics can feel almost impossible. Sometimes, it’s your inner child trying to find the safety and love they never got. But listen—convincing someone to treat you right isn’t your job. Your job is learning to treat yourself right first.

So, What Now?

I know walking away feels like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. But healing doesn’t happen all at once. It’s about small, intentional steps:

• Ask yourself this: “Am I trying to convince someone of my worth?”

• Celebrate the baby steps: Even noticing the pattern is a big deal—don’t downplay it.

• Get support: Healing isn’t a solo journey, and that’s okay.

I’m Here to Help

As a trauma therapist and coach, I’ve seen how hard it is to break these cycles. But I’ve also seen how powerful it is when you finally do. That’s why I created trauma prevention coaching—because I want to help you heal, break the cycles, and reclaim your peace.

And hey, if you’re a parent trying to figure out how to protect your kids from trauma, my ebook ABC of Safe and Unsafe Touch is the perfect starting point. It’s a tool to help you have those conversations with your kids in a way that feels clear, confident, and real.

Let’s Do This Together

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Healing doesn’t mean having it all together—it just means you’re showing up for yourself. One step at a time.

🌿 Ready to take the next step? Slide into my DMs, IG @dayonetherapyprivatepractice check out my ebook, or let’s chat about coaching. You deserve this.

Tag someone who needs this nudge today.
Let’s heal together, DayOnes. 🌱

Rebuilding Faith After Sexual Abuse: A Millennial's Journey

Faith, Healing, and Rebuilding After Sexual Abuse: What It Means for Millennials

Let’s talk about something that often gets swept under the rug—how sexual abuse impacts your faith. For millennials, especially those raised in religious environments, experiencing trauma can shake your core beliefs. It can make you question everything, including the trust you once had in your faith, your community, or even God. So, how do you even begin to rebuild faith after trauma?

1. Faith Isn’t a Quick Fix
   Healing doesn’t happen just because someone tells you to "pray it away." Faith can be a powerful tool for recovery, but it’s not about denying your pain or pretending everything is okay. You have to allow yourself to feel and grieve.

2. Redefining Your Relationship with Faith
   Faith after trauma can look different, and that’s okay. It’s about rebuilding trust—whether in yourself, your spirituality, or God. This new relationship with your faith can be more authentic and healing than what you had before.

3. Your Trauma Isn’t a Punishment
   Let’s get one thing straight: sexual abuse is never your fault, and it’s not some kind of divine punishment. Healing means rejecting any narrative that tells you otherwise. Real faith lifts you up; it doesn’t tear you down.

4. Find Support in the Right Places
   Be mindful of who you seek guidance from. Not all faith communities will understand trauma, and some might make you feel more isolated. Surround yourself with people who support your healing journey and respect your boundaries—whether that’s in a church, a group, or even a new faith-based community.

5. Faith and Therapy Work Together
   Yes, you can believe in God and still go to therapy! In fact, combining both can help you find balance. Therapy can help you process trauma while your faith can give you hope and strength during difficult times. The two are not mutually exclusive.

6. Redefine What Healing Looks Like for You
   Healing after sexual abuse, especially when it comes to faith, doesn’t look the same for everyone. Take your time, be patient with yourself, and remember—it’s okay if your spiritual journey looks different now.

   If you're navigating boundaries after trauma or rebuilding your faith after sexual abuse, I offer trauma therapy and trauma-informed parenting coaching, both online and in-person.

   🌍 In-person sessions available in South Jersey, North Wilmington, and Philadelphia.
   💻 Online sessions available for Georgia residents.

   Let's work together to help you heal and grow. Click here to book a consultation today.

Building Healthy Boundaries for Millennials After Sexual Abuse

Navigating Life After Trauma: How Millennials Can Build Healthy Boundaries

Let’s get real for a second. After experiencing sexual abuse, learning to set boundaries feels hard. You might even feel guilty or selfish for wanting to protect yourself, especially if you’ve been taught to put others’ needs before your own. But here’s the truth: boundaries are essential for your healing. They aren't about shutting people out—they're about keeping yourself safe and honoring your worth.

So how do you, as a millennial, start to rebuild those boundaries after trauma? Let's break it down:

1. Recognize Your Needs Are Valid
   It’s easy to feel like your needs are "too much" after what you've been through, but trust me, they’re not. Start by identifying what feels safe for you—whether it’s emotional, physical, or mental space—and recognize that you have the right to protect that.

2. Use Your Voice
   Look, it’s uncomfortable at first, but speaking up is key. Whether it’s telling someone “I’m not okay with this” or deciding that certain conversations or physical contact are off-limits, using your voice is your power.

3. Understand Boundaries Aren’t About Punishment
   You might worry that setting boundaries means pushing people away, but it’s the opposite. It helps you build healthier connections by letting people know how to respect and support you. Real love respects boundaries.

4. Watch for Red Flags and Trust Yourself
   We’ve all heard people say, “just trust your gut,” but after abuse, that inner voice can get drowned out by doubt and shame. Rebuild that trust in yourself. If something feels off, it probably is. You deserve to feel safe, always.

5. Practice Self-Compassion
   You might not get it right the first time, and that's okay. Healing is a process. Be kind to yourself when setting boundaries feels scary or uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step is progress.

   If you're navigating boundaries after trauma after sexual abuse, I offer trauma therapy and trauma-informed parenting coaching, both online and in-person.

   🌍 In-person sessions available in South Jersey, North Wilmington, and Philadelphia.
   💻 Online sessions available for Georgia residents.

   Let's work together to help you heal and grow. Click here to book a consultation today.

Healing from Childhood Trauma: Navigating Adult Relationships After Sexual Abuse

Hey, DayOnes! Let’s dive into a topic that hits home for many of us—healing from childhood trauma, especially when it comes to navigating adult relationships after sexual abuse (SA). If you’re feeling a little lost in this journey, don’t worry; you’re not alone. It’s a tough road, but with some real talk and the right tools, we can turn those struggles into strength.

Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma

First off, let’s be real about what childhood trauma can do to us. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack filled with rocks—each experience adds weight, making it harder to move forward. For survivors of sexual abuse, that weight can impact every aspect of life, especially relationships. Trust issues, fear of intimacy, and feeling unworthy of love are just a few hurdles we might face. But recognizing this is the first step toward healing.

Embrace Your Healing Journey

Healing isn’t linear. It’s messy, full of twists, turns, and some days when you just want to throw in the towel. But guess what? That’s okay! Allow yourself to feel those feelings. Whether you’re angry, sad, or just plain confused, acknowledge where you’re at. Journaling, talking to a therapist, or simply having a heart-to-heart with a trusted friend can help you process those emotions.

Pro Tip: Try setting small goals for your healing. Maybe it’s dedicating time each week to self-care or learning something new about healthy relationships. Each little win counts!

Redefining Relationships

Once you start healing, it’s time to look at your relationships through a different lens. You might find yourself questioning your boundaries or feeling uneasy in new situations. That’s a natural response! Start by asking yourself what you truly want in a relationship. Remember, you deserve connections that lift you up, not drag you down.

Boundaries are your best friends! They’re not walls but safety nets that help you navigate relationships with more clarity. Practice saying “no” when you need to, and don’t feel guilty about it. It’s all about protecting your peace and your healing process.

Communication is Key

When it comes to relationships, communication is everything. If you find someone who you vibe with, don’t be afraid to be open about your experiences, but do it at your own pace. You don’t owe anyone your story, but sharing can create deeper connections.

Engagement Question: How do you feel about sharing your past with new partners? It can be nerve-wracking, but it can also foster understanding and support.

Seeking Professional Support

While you’re on this healing journey, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. A trauma-informed therapist can provide the guidance you need to unpack those heavy feelings and help you build healthier relationship patterns.

If you're in South Jersey, North Wilmington, or Philadelphia, I offer in-person or online trauma therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. Additionally, I provide trauma-informed parenting coaching to help you navigate parenting through the lens of trauma awareness.

Ready to take that next step? Contact me today to book a consultation! Let’s work together to reclaim your narrative and foster healthier connections.

If you’re located in Georgia, I also offer online sessions, making it easier for you to access the support you need from the comfort of your home.

Final Thoughts

Healing from childhood trauma and navigating adult relationships is no easy feat. But with each step you take—no matter how small—you’re rewriting your narrative. You’re reclaiming your power and learning what love and trust truly look like.

So, let’s keep this conversation going! Share your experiences, your questions, and let’s support each other on this journey. Remember, your past doesn’t define your future. You’ve got this, and I’m here for you every step of the way.

How to Support a Loved One Healing from Sexual Abuse

When someone you care about shares that they’ve been sexually abused, it can feel like the world stops for a moment. You might feel helpless, unsure of what to say or do, but being present for them is one of the most powerful things you can offer. Healing from sexual abuse is a long and complex journey, and support from loved ones can make all the difference. But how do you show up for them in a way that truly helps? Let’s break it down.

1. Listen Without Judgment
The first thing they need is to be heard. It’s not about offering solutions or jumping to conclusions. Just listen. Let them speak at their own pace, share what they feel comfortable sharing, and don’t pressure them for details. Your role here is not to analyze or "fix" anything but to create a safe space where they feel seen and validated.

2. Validate Their Feelings
They might feel confused, angry, ashamed, or even numb. Whatever they're feeling is okay. Avoid saying things like, "You should feel..." or "At least it wasn’t worse." Instead, try, "I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, but I’m here." Simple words of empathy can go a long way in letting them know they’re not alone in their pain.

3. Respect Their Boundaries
Trauma often leaves survivors feeling like they’ve lost control over their lives. Respect their boundaries, whether that’s about how much they want to share, how much physical contact they’re comfortable with, or when they’re ready to talk. Re-establishing a sense of control is crucial for healing, and you can help by honoring their limits.

4. Avoid the “Why Didn’t You...?” Questions
Survivors of sexual abuse are often plagued by feelings of guilt and shame. Avoid asking questions that could reinforce these feelings, like "Why didn’t you tell someone sooner?" or "Why did you go back?" These questions can unintentionally make them feel blamed for the abuse. Instead, focus on supporting their present and future healing.

5. Offer Practical Support
Healing isn’t just emotional—it can affect every area of their life. Offer practical help when appropriate. This could be something as simple as cooking a meal, driving them to therapy, or helping with everyday tasks that may feel overwhelming during their recovery.

6. Encourage Professional Help—But Don’t Push
Healing from trauma often requires professional support. Encourage them to seek therapy when they’re ready, but don’t pressure them. If they seem open to it, offer to help research trauma-informed therapists or offer resources, but always respect their pace.

7. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Being a support system for someone healing from sexual abuse can be emotionally draining. Make sure you’re taking care of your own mental health as well. This isn’t about centering your own feelings, but about staying balanced so you can continue being a solid foundation for them. Seek support for yourself if needed.

Final Thoughts
Supporting someone who’s healing from sexual abuse isn’t about having all the right words. It’s about being present, showing empathy, and respecting their process. Healing takes time, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Your consistent support can be the anchor they need during this storm. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard, and remind them that they’re not walking this path alone. If you or someone you love is navigating the healing journey from trauma, we’re here to help. Reach out today for trauma-informed support.

In-Person and Online Therapy Available
We offer in-person sessions for trauma recovery therapy in South Jersey, North Wilmington, and Philadelphia, and online sessions for clients in Georgia. If you or someone you love is navigating the healing journey from trauma, we’re here to help. Reach out today to book your session or consultation.

Why Trauma Bonds Are Hard to Break: A Therapist's Insight

We often hear, "Why don’t they just leave?" when discussing abusive relationships. But it's not that simple. Trauma bonds form when love and abuse are intertwined, making it incredibly hard for a person to break free. As a trauma therapist, I've helped countless people untangle the emotional ties that hold them back.

What is a trauma bond? A trauma bond is an emotional attachment that forms when someone experiences cycles of abuse and positive reinforcement. Victims often feel stuck, confused, and unable to leave, even though they know the relationship is unhealthy.

If you’re in a trauma bond and want help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Healing is possible. I offer one-on-one trauma therapy both online (New Jersey) (Georgia) and in person (South Jersey) (North Delaware) (Philadelphia) and, as well as intensive couples sessions.