My daughter went through a phase when she was young where she brought a backpack with her everywhere she went. I’m sure this was a phase born from a variety of factors. For one, she was really excited about this new brightly colored backpack that was given to her. She…

I recently filled my ears with a podcast in a moment when I needed a distraction — when my own thoughts were leading me to unhealthy places. On this particular day it was Glennon Doyle’s “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast which often leaves me both smiling and quietly contemplating…

She stands in front of a police station — preparing, breathing, second guessing. Four adults surround her — protecting, supporting, embracing. She steps inside and lets her shaky voice tell her story, exposing the evil that was done to her. With her army of four by her side she feels…

Shame is a topic that is at least as difficult to talk about as it is to experience. I find myself flooded with thoughts and emotions just contemplating this concept. I have so much to learn about my own shame — how I experience it — where my blind spots…

Four years. Today marks four years since the man who sexually abused me was arrested based solely on my police report. Today marks the pivotal day where this man learned that he can no longer hurt me. As a reminder of this day I have the lasting image of his…

“I couldn’t whisper when you needed it shouted Ah, but I’m singing like a bird ‘bout it now” — Shrike by Hozier These song lyrics are a reminder of why I venture into the painful work of healing from childhood trauma. They are my reminder that my own voice can…

The moment I first spoke out loud about my abuse was not a moment of confidence, clarity, or self-compassion. It was a moment of sheer terror. I was in the midst of a crisis in my marriage, feeling the painful effects of shattered trust, betrayal, and uncertainty. I felt completely…