Thoughts Over Coffee with Shanon from Surviving Childhood Trauma ☕️Join me for a cup of coffee and some real talk about complex PTSD and trauma healing and recovery.
It is hard to navigate in a world that doesn’t understand complex and developmental trauma.
Reflecting Back
Yesterday I shared a story from a while back about a disagreement between my hubby and I due to one of my triggers kicking off.
The trigger: I am an afterthought. I am not loved. I am being left behind. No one cares about me. I am not good enough.
My trigger was activated by the changing of morning plans and the suggestion that I be left at the house during a work obligation while my family went out on a morning adventure.
In the grand scheme of things, it all made sense. My hubby only sees his parents a couple times a year (we were visiting), of course his dad wants as much time as possible with him and our kiddo. I wasn’t being excluded, I had a 10am zoom appointment.
But that isn’t how my mind and body interpreted it.
Navigating Inside the Trigger
I decided to try to express myself and my feelings to my hubby but everything seemed to get lost in translation. I knew I was triggered; I knew the real life reason why and the childhood wound that was crying out – and despite that knowledge, I struggled continuously to find my words.
I could tell I was really hyper fixated on the hurt I was feeling due to this situation, and I knew I was making it bigger than it was – but I was in it and putting on the brakes to redirect felt near impossible.
It is so frustrating, even defeating to be so present and aware in my mind that I am responding from a place of trauma. To have the knowledge, the language, and a tool kit of coping skills – yet be unable to pause, pivot, and re-regulate.
Eventually my FIL called and canceled himself.
At that point it felt like a big to-do about nothing and I was overcome with guilt and panic that I had done something wrong and made my hubby angry.
Radical Acceptance
I know my brain works differently. My thoughts and responses are born from a childhood of abuse and neglect, I have a safety filter that tries to protect me from the world.
But knowing doesn’t make accepting any easier, especially when it feels like I always have to give a little extra to make it through everyday situations. 😮💨
On goes the journey 💪🏻❤️🩹
Looking for Ways to Connect With Other Survivors and/or Receive Support as You Heal?
Survivor’s Circle Peer Support Groups might be just what you need.
These small groups meet on alternating days of the week via Zoom. In these groups, survivors connect, share, and support each other through the ebbs and flows of healing. Attend a session and experience the magical healing that happens when survivors connect and support each other through shit only we can understand.
You can also book individual 1:1 peer support sessions with Shanon for private support in a closed space. You deserve support as you heal, and I am here to help. You don’t have to heal alone.
On the Journey Peer Support Monthly Package
As a part of this monthly support program you will gain access to all Survivor’s Circle Peer Support group support sessions every month as well as individual 1:1 peer support sessions with Shanon each month.
Hi, I am Shanon
I am a trauma informed, trained, and Certified Peer Support Specialist in the state of Wisconsin. I am also a survivor with years committed to my own trauma healing after being diagnosed with (C) PTSD due to childhood abuse. Additionally, I have a professional and personal history of community facilitation and peer work.
I specialize in helping survivors like you make connections between real time experiences and past trauma wounds, identify and communicate boundaries, create self-care plans that work, navigate big emotions and trauma responses, reparent your inner child, and embody your own self-worth through the healing process with confidence and personal empowerment.
These support groups and 1:1 peer support sessions should not replace professional therapy; they will however provide additional support and information.
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