We live in a fast-paced world where staying busy is king and slowing down feels like a pipe dream. It is an exhausting way to live for anyone but can be especially difficult for those suffering from the emotional complications of trauma. When your mind is stuck in a revolving cycle of emotions, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with everyday life. There are typically two camps people fall into when trying to navigate the daily stresses of life under the umbrella of trauma: They either grit their teeth and power through, never slowing down and staying as busy as possible (often culminating in anxiety), or they find themselves struggling to keep up with the simplest of tasks, aimless and overwhelmed (presenting in depression).

The brain has the remarkable ability to protect and preserve a person. Woven into mankind is the desire to survive, which allows us to make cognitive decisions in times of duress. But there are times, particularly when a person has suffered a traumatic event or series of events, when the brain’s self-preservation can lead to unhealthy patterns. This is still a mode of survival, but it is one that needs to be addressed to allow a person to live full and whole.

In situations of extreme duress, many have heard of the two classic responses: Fight or Flight. For many years, we assumed most people fell into one of these two categories. They either respond by standing up to the challenge and fighting back, or they respond by fleeing and looking for safety.

Navigating the murky waters of trauma is not an easy road. A person must face the experiences that shaped them and learn to cope with those experiences in a healthy manner. Depending on the depth of trauma experienced, this path can be quite difficult. Having someone by your side who can help you in your healing journey is crucial to moving forward. But what type of trauma therapy is best for you?

Every single person will experience some form of trauma in their lives. It is an inevitable and inescapable side effect of being a human being. How we respond to traumatic events, however, will vary greatly among every individual based on the severity of the trauma, our backgrounds, our support systems, and our environments.

This Thanksgiving, we at Christian Counseling of Tampa want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for you. Whether you are a client, a supporter, or a visitor to our blog, we are thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey. 

Finding a trauma-informed therapist is the first step toward healing after trauma, but there will come a time when you need to take the next step toward healing as you establish community and relationships with other people. Studies have shown that when people find a supportive network of family and friends, they are more likely to recover from traumatic experiences.

Overcoming trauma doesn’t have to be a lonely or solitary journey. Seek out meaningful ways to connect with friends, family, and your community as you continue to heal emotionally and physically. Tampa offers a variety of activities and environments that can help alleviate anxiety and support the healing process. Whether you’re looking for quiet places to relax or engaging activities to distract and uplift, the Tampa Bay area has plenty of options to promote mental wellness.

Living in the beautiful Sunshine State, especially in the Tampa Bay area, offers unique benefits for healing from trauma. Florida’s year-long sunshine and mild winters offer ample opportunity to give the body and brain natural modalities for stress-relief and healing.

Some people experience trauma to a much greater degree than others, and while we may pity those who suffer, a good deal of research has shown that those who walk through a traumatic experience, and who learn to deal with and process their trauma in a healthy manner, have long-term positive results.

Trauma can be simply defined as a stressful, frightening, or distressing event that is difficult to cope with and outside of one’s control. Trauma can happen at any age, and it ranges from severe, life-altering life events to smaller, emotionally damaging everyday moments. When an individual has suffered a traumatic experience or series of events from which they cannot seem to recover, trauma informed care through a licensed trauma therapist is extremely beneficial.

Trauma can be simply defined as a stressful, frightening, or distressing event that is difficult to cope with and outside of one’s control. Trauma can happen at any age, and it ranges from severe, life-altering life events to smaller, emotionally damaging everyday moments. When an individual has suffered a traumatic experience or series of events from which they cannot seem to recover, trauma-informed care through a licensed trauma therapist is extremely beneficial. At Christian Counseling of Tampa, we provide trauma-informed care to help you navigate the path to recovery with guidance and compassion.

As a college student, the pressure to perform academically, socially, and personally can feel overwhelming, especially during stressful periods like midterms and finals. Many students fall into the trap of thinking that the more time they spend working, the more productive they'll be. But what if we told you that taking breaks is just as important for your productivity—and mental health—as your study sessions? In fact, rest and relaxation aren’t just "nice to have"; they’re essential for maintaining your well-being and optimizing your performance. Here’s why it’s okay to take breaks, and why doing so can actually improve your mental health.

Thanksgiving is more than just about gobbling turkey and devouring pumpkin pie—it’s a time for family, reflection, and gratitude. For those of us lucky enough to call Tampa Bay home, it's also the perfect excuse to shake up the routine with some local fun. Whether you're keeping the kids entertained during their school break or hoping to spark new family traditions, we've got you covered. Here's a laid-back guide to some ideas that will fill your Thanksgiving with warmth, joy, and plenty of laughs.

This blog is a recap of my attempt to run a 100 mile ultramarathon in the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky. Preparing for a 100-mile ultramarathon in the mountains while living in the flat terrain of Tampa, FL, was a journey marked by profound challenges and personal growth. This endeavor was not just about the physical act of running but a challenge that tested the limits of my mental and physical endurance

Hurricanes are incredibly powerful natural events that can cause widespread destruction. The aftermath can bring feelings of fear, shock, and disbelief. For many survivors, the emotional recovery can take longer than expected, and the impact can be just as devastating as the physical damage.

In the delicate world of childhood trauma, healing is not a goal—it's a necessity. Navigating this challenge can be difficult, but integrating Christian faith into therapy offers hope. By combining techniques with spiritual guidance, we can help build strength and healing in young hearts. This blog post explores how faith can be a powerful tool for healing, and how it’s incorporated in therapeutic settings. 

In a world with unexpected challenges, trauma can find its way into our lives. Whether it's from a single traumatic event or multiple distressing experiences, the impact can be lasting. It's important to learn how to understand trauma and how to address it, for both, survivors and therapists.

College life is a pivotal time for academic exploration, personal growth, and making friends, and it can also be an exciting experience. However, many students find themselves overwhelmed as they try to balance academics and their social lives. In this blog post, we'll explore ways to help you maintain this balance, making your college years rewarding and enjoyable.