Ep. 4 - Breaking the Silence: A Trauma Therapist's Journey with ACEs and cPTSD

The Holistic Counselor

Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, Qualified Supervisor, and Owner of Through the Valley Therapy, South Florida. Introduction: - Welcome back to the Holistic Counselor Podcast, where Diana dives deep into mental health, healing, and empowerment. - Today, embark on a profound journey exploring Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Content: - Personal Journey: Diana shares her own experiences growing up in a challenging environment marked by emotional neglect and trauma. - Coping mechanisms such as substance use developed early in life as she navigated through these difficult circumstances. - Despite the challenges, she found hope and resilience through therapy and exploration of psychology, biology, and theology. Understanding ACEs and cPTSD: - ACEs encompass traumatic events occurring during childhood, with profound impacts on long-term mental and physical health. - cPTSD, resulting from prolonged exposure to trauma, involves profound emotional disruption and challenges in managing emotions and relationships. Link between ACEs and cPTSD: - The severity and recurrence of early trauma contribute to the development of cPTSD, with high ACE scores reflecting chronic exposure to traumatic experiences. Importance of Trauma-Informed Care: - Diana emphasizes the significance of trauma-informed care in recognizing and addressing the impacts of trauma on individuals' lives. Qualities of a Good Therapist: - Criteria for selecting a therapist include specialization in trauma, knowledge of ACEs, trauma-informed care practices, empathy, and cultural competence. Resources for Healing: - Diana recommends books such as "The Body Keeps the Score" https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-scoreand "cPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" https://pete-walker.com/complex_ptsd_book.html for insights into trauma recovery. - Additionally, she suggests exploring podcasts like "The Pain of Million Cuts" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-of-you/id1620059010?i=1000575748197 for further understanding and support. Closing Poem: Diana shares a poignant poem from her book, Wrath to Riches, Justice to Gems (https://a.co/d/46Vb4YN ), reflecting on the world's brokenness and finding hope and redemption through faith. Conclusion: - Finding the right therapist is essential for healing from cPTSD and ACEs, emphasizing the importance of a trauma-informed approach. - Diana offers free initial consultations for those seeking support in Florida, encouraging listeners to prioritize their wellness and research when choosing a therapist. Closing Remarks: - Trust in the journey of healing and resilience, guided by faith and self-discovery.