"Comes a time, that something within releases the lock on memory.  But the memory doesn't say 'abuse', certainly not at first, not until you label it.  Things shatter--marriages, relationships, jobs, ideas or whatever happens to be around. Or, rather the falseness in things shatters for keeps.   Still even the falseness is a hard thing to lose, it gives protection."

Michael Ventura                   

Trauma is an experience that overwhelms our capacity to have a sense of control over ourselves and our immediate environment, to maintain connection to others, and to make meaning of our experience.

Healing from trauma is a courageous journey, which is neither quick, easy nor simple. It requires support from others--you did not deserve to have this happen to you and you do not deserve to heal in isolation.

Healing from the impact of trauma is fundamentally a process of growth. Growth proceeds in a spiral fashion. It is important to work on these issues with someone who is qualified and understands traumatic issues. I also offer training to other clinicians on this subject.

Web links:

    Post Traumatic Stress Disorder FAQ

    Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Bibliography

    Go to PAAR's resource page

Suggested reading:

"Recovery and Trauma" Judith Lewis Herman, 1992.

    see this book

    conversation with the author

"The Courage To Heal" Ellen Bass, Laura Davis, 1988.    

    see this book