Healing Psych

Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

Guilt: Yes, it’s tricky

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Just about all of us experience guilt one way or another. But how much, for how long, and in what circumstances? Did we pinch our younger brother when he took the last cookie from the plate? After all, father noticed and admonished us for being so mean. Would we have felt guilt if father hadn't reacted? Did we feel guilt for being mean -- or were we just mad that we were caught in the … [Read more...]

When sexual abuse shatters your world

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Hearing about the sexual abuse of a loved one delivers a powerful shock. Everyone in the family or close circle of friends will, in his or her own way, feel vulnerable or powerless. An illusion of safety has been shattered. Loss is embedded within this experience. Some family members will be moved to take immediate action; others may become disorientated or simply shut down. Some will be … [Read more...]

Trauma, shame and rage

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The negative emotional impact of untreated trauma states, and healing interventions By Katrina Wood, Ph.D Single-episodic traumatic experiences often result in symptoms of explosive outbursts of helpless shame and rage. Untreated, the inability to process and contain the magnitude of world-shattering experiences wreaks havoc in the lives of many. Cumulative emotional trauma states often are … [Read more...]

In small towns across the United States

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This article introduces a specific and potentially harmful type of trauma-stress syndrome, typically experienced within family systems. To date, this syndrome -- domestic emotional distress disorder (DEDD) -- has not been submitted for consideration as a formal diagnosis by the psychiatric community. Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD delayed (symptoms of PTSD displayed beyond six months) … [Read more...]

Guilty or not guilty — how do we know?

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Guilt is a tricky little devil. We all feel guilt from time to time -- at times much more than we would like. We're also pretty good at times at "guilting" friends, loved ones and even strangers into the proverbial "guilt trip" when we want things to go our way: "How could you be so selfish when I want things to go this way?" Have a familiar ring? As with most conundrums in life, there's … [Read more...]