December 7, 2014
by Marti Wormuth, MA
What do you think of when you hear the words "sexual assault?" What comes to your mind when you are talking about the issue? Is it something that comes up in conversation at all, or do you try to avoid it on a regular basis because it's such an uncomfortable topic to explore? Have you or a loved one experienced sexual assault? Sadly, many people in the United States and around the world have been affected by sexual assault, either because it has happened to them or because it has happened to someone that they love and care about.
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Several different types of counseling, including Art Therapy, are available and have been shown to help people heal from the effects of emotional trauma (Moon, 1994). Art Therapy, specifically, has been a treatment for mental illness for over 100 years, but it is a type of therapy that people may not consider when seeking help. This type of therapy can help both children and adults to process a traumatic event and begin to heal (Art Therapy and Mental Health, 2009).
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November 24, 2014
by Marti Wormuth, MA
Many of us have heard the word "trauma," but some of us don't really understand what that means in a technical context. What is traumatic? What happens in a traumatic event? How can we make sure that people who have gone through trauma are able to get through it in a healthy way that allows them to thrive instead of merely trying to survive their daily lives?
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November 12, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Some people have some issues with their relationships, but sometimes, they get to a point where people really struggle and they could be in an abusive relationship. If you are in a relationship that is having troubles, and you aren't sure if you could consider it to be an abusive relationship, that's why I've written this article. Let's take a closer look at abusive relationships, how you can discover whether or not you are in one, and how to get out if you have to do so. This information can help save you from a lot of hurt, so it's important that you read it.
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Dating is supposed to be a time for teens to explore relationships and learn about themselves. It is supposed to be fun--and safe. But sometimes things go terribly wrong. Too often, teens are resorting to emotional and physical violence to resolve conflicts and manage painful feelings. Teens and their loved ones must be able to recognize abusive behavior in relationships, and know how to safely leave a relationship and get help.
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November 4, 2014
by Caleen Martin
Your doctor informs you that you have an invisible disease which causes debilitating pain throughout your body. You may lose your job, have to fight for benefits. You have to deal with doctors who think you're lying about your condition and symptoms and become a guinea pig in order to find the most effective medications and therapies.
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Hazing is a widespread problem impacting not only colleges and universities, but high schools, as well. Rites of passage and initiation rituals are nothing new, but some of the hazing that goes on is devastating for victims and their families, and even illegal. Both victims and those participating in perpetrating the hazing can experience significant psychological effects including trauma reactions and shame and guilt. Joining any group, team, or club should not mean sacrificing your physical or psychological health and well-being.
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October 17, 2014
by Marti Wormuth, MA
Millions of men, women, and children are affected by domestic abuse every single year, and it's important that we understand what it is and how it can affect people for the rest of their lives. So, in this article, we're going to define domestic abuse and explore how it can affect those involved for the long term.
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Recent research suggests that those with PTSD, especially women, may turn to food to escape and soothe painful psychological symptoms. In fact, certain foods may hijack the brain in ways that are very similar to the effects of drugs or alcohol.
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September 19, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a severe intracranial injury caused by a violent blow to the skull. During TBI the brain is impacted by severe force, damaging the active brain cells and tearing delicate brain nerves, thus increasing the risk of internal bleeding in the brain. TBI is generally caused due to head-on collisions, skull fracture, etc. However, the intensity and aftermath of brain injury depend on which part of the brain is injured.
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