Align Therapy and EMDR PLLC

Sharing the contextual trauma wheel again due to its importance in understanding mental health. We cannot look at mental health without looking at the broader environment and the amount of oppression we are undergoing. Please remember it is normal to have an increase in mental health needs in times of more oppression. This is not an individual problem, it is collective/societal. If you are experiencing an increase in anxiety/panic, depression/hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, dissociation, substance use, eating challenges, physical symptoms, please remember these are normal reactions to egregious and worsening systemic trauma on top of our already inherited transgenerational trauma and developmental trauma. What is not normal is the oppression and systemic harm being done. If you or someone you love is struggling and in need of support, please reach out.

Aligntherapyandemdr.com

Understanding DARVO

DARVO is a tactic to control, coerce, and manipulate others.

DENY- Used to deny the victim’s reality, makes them question their feelings
ATTACK-Calls the victim “crazy”, “too sensitive”, gaslighting
REVERSE VICTIM & OFFENDER-
accuses the victim of being the perpetrator and the perpetrator assumes the role of the one being harmed

This is playing out on the world stage right now.
As we watch and learn about wide spread sexual abuse, trafficking, and killing of vulnerable women (and non-males), we are witnessing a collective trauma. No accountability reinforces misogyny and the patriarchal view that mom-males are not equal to men. This can trigger personal traumatic experiences that mirror the larger stage.

Collectively, many women and non-males are asking:

-Can I trust men? Can I trust anyone?
-Could anyone in my life be involved in this global abuse?
-How do I stay safe when there are no consequences for abusers?
IF you are asking these questions, you are not alone. Men, check in with your loved ones and ask how this is affecting them.

Simultaneously, it is GOOD that these events and truths are coming to light as there is a great demand for accountability. When institutions do not protect people, people will take power into their own hands and demand it. We are witnessing taking our power back. We have found grounding, compassion, meditation, EMDR, and practicing joy as resistance supportive for these times.

Aligntherapyandemdr.com