Simplifying Complex Trauma

Self-Esteem

6 Ways to Change the Belief “I’m Not Good Enough”

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on April 22, 2024

"I’m not good enough" is a common negative core belief that's deeply ingrained and debilitating. Try these 6 methods to prevent this belief from controlling your life.

"I’m not good enough" is a common negative core belief that's deeply ingrained and debilitating. Try these 6 methods to prevent this belief from controlling your life.

Self-Help

Why You’re Not Using Your Coping Skills

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on April 1, 2024

You’re not lazy, forgetful, or apathetic. So why aren’t you using your coping skills? The reasons might be more complicated than you think, but the solutions are simple.

You’re not lazy, forgetful, or apathetic. So why aren’t you using your coping skills? The reasons might be more complicated than you think, but the solutions are simple.

Trauma

6 Common Myths of Self-Help Trauma Recovery Books

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on September 8, 2023

Avoid these traps when choosing your next read.

Avoid these traps when choosing your next read.

Family Dynamics

Resisting Genetic Relational Entitlement in Families

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on August 4, 2023

Genetics isn’t always enough to establish and secure valuable family relationships.

Genetics isn’t always enough to establish and secure valuable family relationships.

Family Dynamics

How to Support Someone Who's Chosen Family Estrangement

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on July 9, 2023

Four tips on how to help (and avoid harming) those who've chosen to become estranged from their family.

Four tips on how to help (and avoid harming) those who've chosen to become estranged from their family.

Trauma

How Family Estrangement May Benefit Trauma Survivors

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on June 11, 2023

For trauma survivors, blood isn't always thicker than water.

For trauma survivors, blood isn't always thicker than water.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Debunking 4 Myths About Evidence-Based Treatments

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on May 16, 2023

Evidence-based treatments aren't the panaceas you may think they are.

Evidence-based treatments aren't the panaceas you may think they are.

Forgiveness

8 Questions to Ask Before Recommending Forgiveness

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on April 2, 2023

Resist the urge to impulsively recommend forgiveness by first pausing to ask yourself these questions.

Resist the urge to impulsively recommend forgiveness by first pausing to ask yourself these questions.

Therapy

Beyond Inkblots: 6 Benefits of Psychological Testing

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on March 13, 2023

If you have conflicting diagnoses, or feel stuck in therapy, consider psychological testing.

If you have conflicting diagnoses, or feel stuck in therapy, consider psychological testing.

Grief

15 Things to Say to Someone Grieving a Pet

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on February 4, 2023

Instead of saying, “They are in a better place," trying saying nothing.

Instead of saying, “They are in a better place," trying saying nothing.

Trauma

Why Not All Trauma Leads to PTSD

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on January 24, 2023

PTSD may always equal trauma, but trauma doesn't always equal PTSD.

PTSD may always equal trauma, but trauma doesn't always equal PTSD.

Trauma

How to Avoid Policing the Term “Trauma”

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on January 17, 2023

How can you respond when you feel that someone has misused the term trauma? Don't jump in to correct them.

How can you respond when you feel that someone has misused the term trauma? Don't jump in to correct them.

Trauma

Are You Misusing the Term "Trauma"?

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on January 10, 2023

These 6 questions can help you determine whether you may be misusing the term "trauma."

These 6 questions can help you determine whether you may be misusing the term "trauma."

Motivation

How Small Steps Lead to Big Lifestyle Changes

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on January 1, 2023

Want to change a habit? Try starting slow and small.

Want to change a habit? Try starting slow and small.

Trauma

35 Scripts for Trauma Survivors to Set Family Boundaries

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on November 4, 2022

Don't know what to say to your family when you need to establish a boundary? Try these scripts.

Don't know what to say to your family when you need to establish a boundary? Try these scripts.

Trauma

6 Unusual Ways to Support Developmental Trauma Survivors

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on October 18, 2022

Developmental trauma survivors need your support. Consider these less-known methods of supporting them.

Developmental trauma survivors need your support. Consider these less-known methods of supporting them.

Trauma

10 Things Not to Say to Trauma Survivors

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on October 10, 2022

If you're not sure what to say to a trauma survivor, try these 10 suggestions, while avoiding these 10 other common phrases.

If you're not sure what to say to a trauma survivor, try these 10 suggestions, while avoiding these 10 other common phrases.

Trauma

“I’m Glad They Died”: The Benefits of Speaking Ill of the Dead

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on September 19, 2022

Speaking Ill of the dead social continues to carry a social stigma that can harm trauma survivors.

Speaking Ill of the dead social continues to carry a social stigma that can harm trauma survivors.

Self-Esteem

Embracing Bitterness: The Benefits of Resentment

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on August 26, 2022

Resentment isn’t necessarily the bad emotion you may have thought it was. Consider these potential benefits.

Resentment isn’t necessarily the bad emotion you may have thought it was. Consider these potential benefits.

Trauma

How Deep Breathing Can Worsen Trauma Responses

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC on August 22, 2022

Here's why "take a breath" might not be the best advice for many trauma survivors.

Here's why "take a breath" might not be the best advice for many trauma survivors.