Research is exploding in the field of PTSD recovery and traumatic stress. In this section we’ve collected a number of resources about trauma and trauma recovery for individuals, educators, and mental health professionals. Some of these resources address coping with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, or supporting a loved one who is dealing with the impacts of traumatic events on their nervous system and behavioral health.
While my illustrations are not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment (see terms of use for more information) I create engaging visuals designed to help communicate emerging research in the field of post-traumatic stress disorder and its interplay with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. These illustrations can be downloaded and printed below, or you can click through to the article to learn more about the key concepts illustrated.
The C-PTSD Symptom Wheel
Recently, I discovered an academic journal article exploring the symptoms of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and I was inspired to create this illustration. In this illustration of the diagnostic criteria for C-PTSD, I show how the diagnosis is defined by symptom clusters, and those clusters break down into specific…
How Good Therapy Works to Reduce Trauma Triggers
When we endure traumatic events, the experience may stay with us in various ways – even in ways we may not recognize. Good trauma treatment helps us grow awareness of trauma triggers and to reduce the impact of those triggers on our daily life. From lingering emotions to disruptions in…
Triggers vs “Triggered”: Trauma Triggers and Modern Language Shifts
Feeling upset, anxious, or extremely uncomfortable when we encounter difficult content is normal. Having a strong reaction to information that is generally considered troubling or difficult information is normal. Learning to self-regulate (aka “calm down”) after exposure to difficult content is part of normal emotional development. Trauma triggers are…
Trauma Recovery: A Visual Model
Trauma Therapy Even as someone who has studied trauma therapy for years, I often find it difficult to describe just how trauma therapy works and what someone can expect from “good therapy.” Download this Printable PDF Download this resource for personal reference or professional use below. Download includes vertical and…
Intrusive Thought Flowchart – Illustrated Mental Health Resource
It’s not always this simple, but *sometimes* it is: shifts in how we respond to intrusive thoughts from PTSD or anxiety can shape our internal response and give strength to our future responses when intrusive thoughts arise. Sometimes just shifting from “OMG NO! The intrusive thought is here! 😱 Run…
Trauma Recovery Avocado Model
Trauma and trauma recovery look different for everyone. Generally, there’s a deep, hardened core and a bunch of squishy stuff, all held together by a peel juuuust thick enough to keep us composed unless something comes along to smash us. Sound familiar? I thought an avocado was a great metaphor…
Trigger-Tracker Worksheet for Mental Health Journaling and Self-Advocacy
Dismantling mental health triggers often involves a little detective work. Although awareness of “being triggered” can be very obvious, for many people, figuring out specific triggers can be a puzzle. Solving the puzzle requires developing a capacity to seek to know ourselves better, then noticing and tracking backward chronologically to…
How to Tell A Friend or Partner About Your Past Trauma
In a culture where “vulnerability” can sometimes feel like relational currency, it’s easy to fall into a trap of telling someone about our trauma stories before a new relationship has the roots to make it a positive experience. Especially when we’ve had trauma in past relationships, it can be tempting…
How We Give Language to Traumatic Events Changes How We Heal
For a while now, the terminology of both “victim” and “survivor” has sat uneasily with me. Both terms center the traumatic experience as part of a person’s identity. Although (and please hear me on this) we can do real harm by minimizing someone’s trauma, one way we can support people…
Trigger Warnings: Helpful or Harmful for Trauma Survivors?
This research study presents compelling evidence that trigger warnings may do more harm than good. While this study’s methods may overlook that a trigger warning along with the choice to opt-out has the potential for self-care (in abstaining) and empowerment (in feeling free to abstain or choose exposure), the results…