I’m a therapist trained in post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perinatal mood disorders. I treat survivors of traumatic birth, so the women-centered content of Little Voices is very powerful for me. This story deeply describes the unique female psychological experience of traumatic childbirth, perinatal mental illness and recovery. The opening scene is Devony’s traumatic birth experience. Many women come into my office sharing a story much like hers.

In PTSD: 1 No, it’s not all in your head, we talked about the causes and the symptoms of PTSD.

In PTSD: 2 No, it’s not all in your head: The Neuroplatform of Emotion, we talked about the underlying neurobiological emotional platform, that forms the unconscious basis for our emotional responses in everyday life.

Advances in neurobiology – knowing how our brains and nervous systems work – help us understand how PTSD symptoms persist and also how they can heal. The healing of PTSD symptoms is often called, or accompanied by, a phenomena known as post-traumatic growth (PTG).

When I was at home raising my son, I made fire cider every winter. As the years went by, I got out of the habit. I was working part-time and raising my son. I ramped up to full-time and just wasn’t at home as much as I used to be. I didn’t have time for the homemaking arts that I love. But, this winter season, I caught bronchitis twice. Once during the incredibly busy December of 2019 and once in February 2020! (Yes, I get a flu shot every year. Yes, I go to my PCP and get flu & strep tests, and yes, I take antibiotics if need be, etc.)

About 98% of our mental activity…the reasons why we do things…is unconscious (Bargh, 2017). Expressive Art, a right brain activity, is a way to access those wordless emotional messages swirling beneath our consciousness. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could unearth some of your own motivating energy, and channel it towards calmer, more measured responses to the confounding situations encountered in your daily life?

Somatic Experiencing®

Have a peaceful holiday season, with a side of realism!