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Invisible Bruises

Recognizing patterns and providing support in the aftermath of domestic violence and family trauma.

Trauma
Navigating Family Trauma During the Holiday Season

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on December 5, 2024

The holidays can evoke painful memories for survivors, as they idealize family tradition. For those who did not have a healthy, safe family, this can feel isolating.

The holidays can evoke painful memories for survivors, as they idealize family tradition. For those who did not have a healthy, safe family, this can feel isolating.

Aging
The Double Standard of Aging for Women

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on November 22, 2024

There is a societal tendency to associate aging with decline for women, while for men, it’s often seen as a sign of wisdom and success.

There is a societal tendency to associate aging with decline for women, while for men, it’s often seen as a sign of wisdom and success.

Domestic Violence
Do Protection Orders Protect?

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on November 20, 2024

Even with a protection order, many forms of abuse, such as harassment, slander, filing false reports with child protection, or other forms of retaliation, can be hard to stop.

Even with a protection order, many forms of abuse, such as harassment, slander, filing false reports with child protection, or other forms of retaliation, can be hard to stop.

Emotional Abuse
Stonewalling as a Form of Emotional Abuse

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on November 3, 2024

When one partner withdraws communication as a form of punishment, it creates an imbalance that leaves the other feeling isolated and desperate for connection.

When one partner withdraws communication as a form of punishment, it creates an imbalance that leaves the other feeling isolated and desperate for connection.

Trauma
Are All Families Dysfunctional?

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on October 30, 2024

The common quip is that "all families are dysfunctional," which is not necessarily wrong. However, this can take away from the severity of those who experienced traumatic families.

The common quip is that "all families are dysfunctional," which is not necessarily wrong. However, this can take away from the severity of those who experienced traumatic families.

Forgiveness
Forgiving Yourself for Ways You Coped After Trauma

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on October 20, 2024

Survivors of child abuse often grapple with complex emotions, including guilt and shame, especially over the things they had to do in order to cope with traumatic environments.

Survivors of child abuse often grapple with complex emotions, including guilt and shame, especially over the things they had to do in order to cope with traumatic environments.

Resilience
What Makes Us Resilient After Trauma?

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on October 17, 2024

Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back from challenging circumstances and emerge stronger. But what makes some resilient and others less so?

Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back from challenging circumstances and emerge stronger. But what makes some resilient and others less so?

Domestic Violence
Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ Relationships

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on October 15, 2024

IPV can present differently in Queer relationships. When clinicians understand the different vulnerabilities, they are better equipped to support diverse survivors.

IPV can present differently in Queer relationships. When clinicians understand the different vulnerabilities, they are better equipped to support diverse survivors.

Forgiveness
How Do You Know if You Are Ready to Forgive?

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on September 30, 2024

Forgiveness is not about minimizing a wrong but coming to terms with it in a way that allows healing. Some will choose to forgive, while others will choose a different path.

Forgiveness is not about minimizing a wrong but coming to terms with it in a way that allows healing. Some will choose to forgive, while others will choose a different path.