Triggers have a way of sneaking up on us. One moment, you’re grounded and calm, and the next, you’re overwhelmed, flooded with emotion, or feeling completely out of control. Whether it’s a sharp comment, a difficult memory, or an unexpected situation, being triggered can feel like an ambush. But what if we could learn to respond to these moments instead of simply reacting?

Reacting is often impulsive and rooted in survival mode. It’s the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response kicking in, fueled by past experiences and unresolved emotions. Responding, on the other hand, is intentional and grounded. It allows us to choose our next step from a place of awareness and clarity.

Here are some strategies to help you shift from reacting to responding when faced with triggers:

Uncertainty and change can feel overwhelming in any life stage, but for those on a trauma recovery journey, they often carry a deeper weight. Trauma affects our sense of safety, stability, and control, making shifts in life seem especially daunting.

Yet, these experiences can also become powerful growth opportunities, helping us to build resilience, reconnect with ourselves, and find peace amid chaos. Here’s how you can embrace uncertainty and navigate change while supporting your healing journey.

In the early days of my trauma recovery, after experiencing major heartbreak, betrayal and many moments of feeling like the world was against me, I was stuck in a perpetual state of victimhood.

For a long time, I stayed in this place of pain and resentment. I couldn’t help but see myself as a victim of circumstances I couldn’t control. And in a way, staying in that victim mindset felt safe. It was familiar, and it allowed me to place blame on others or on fate itself. Whenever I felt lonely or overwhelmed, I would pull out pieces of my story, recounting the unfairness and injustice I’d endured.

Honestly, I couldn’t see a way out; in many ways, my story had become a cage.

Life has a way of shaking us to our core when we least expect it. Whether it's the sudden loss of a relationship, a health crisis, a career upheaval, or another seismic shift in your world, these "life-quakes" often leave us disoriented, overwhelmed, and uncertain about what comes next. Here’s how you can find a new direction after experiencing a life-quake…

In the journey of healing from trauma, the concept of "titration" emerges as a pivotal technique. Derived from the fields of chemistry and medicine, where it involves the gradual addition of a substance to achieve a desired reaction, titration in trauma recovery refers to the gradual and controlled process of addressing traumatic memories and emotions. This gentle approach aims to prevent overwhelm and re-traumatization, fostering a safer and more sustainable healing process.

Trauma can leave deep imprints on our minds and bodies, often manifesting in ways that are difficult to understand or articulate. Traditional talk therapy, while beneficial, sometimes falls short in addressing the somatic and non-verbal aspects of trauma. This is where the concepts of "felt sense" and the practice of "focusing" come into play. Developed by philosopher and psychologist Eugene Gendlin, these techniques offer a unique and effective approach to trauma recovery, helping individuals connect with and heal their inner selves.