Have you heard of the Universe giving you three signs and when you see them, you need to listen? And listen hard. Shorts, bathing suit, dress for formal night, heels, check, check, check, check. Travel toothbrush, um, ah, dang it! Okay, keep going. Lipstick, check. I reach for my cosmetic bag in which to pack … Read More
As a trauma therapist, I spend a lot of time educating people about how we got ourselves into the pickle of using a specific behavior to solve life problems. All the while now knowing that those behaviors aren’t working for us any more and counting to do them. It might have worked brilliantly to get … Read More
“As a night nurse, I want to be able to tell clients that we are here not just for meds but also to listen to them” Rosemarie Stanton, RN, The Refuge – A Healing Place “Look at me. You called me strong. I always take care of you, my love, my family, my friends and yet I … Read More
“Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .” C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves I have years of education, months of additional and specialized training and my own personal experiences in recovery from addiction and childhood trauma, but to some clients, I’m just … Read More
By: Krystal Bush, MSW Admissions Coordinator One thing that all of our clients, past and present, have in common is that their journey to recovery started with a phone call. This is for all of those brave souls that made that call on their own and for the loved ones who called on their behalf. … Read More
Trauma can alter our entire being and the way we view our selves and the world around us. This is not a new concept, and perhaps Ancient Talmudic words illustrate this best: “We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Many trauma survivors are still stuck in the past, … Read More
By: Thomas Pecca, MS, CAS, CSAT, CTT Therapist, The Refuge – A Healing Place When I think of Thanksgiving, the classic Norman Rockwell painting comes to mind. A huge family sitting around a table preparing to carve a Turkey, so big it looks almost prehistoric. Smiles and anticipation on every face. For many of us that … Read More
By: David Moss, LMHC, CTT3 Outpatient Therapist, The Refuge – A Healing Place During my internship in my Masters in Counseling program I was shown a video of a Ted Talk by Brene Brown that has shaped how I approach counseling to this day. While working on her doctorate Brene collected data on what connects us as human beings … Read More
By: Annie Kaja Reed, BA, CAS Counselor, The Refuge – A Healing Place “This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they are a crowd of sorrows, Who violently sweep your … Read More
“It takes 1,000 “Atta boys” to overcome one, “You’re worthless and no good.” –Dr. Phil A few months ago I was sitting at my daughter’s softball practice when she came up to me frustrated because all she was hearing from her coach was “swing harder, swing faster” which, to her, translated to “you’re not doing … Read More
