My journey has involved music - a form of healing I found with Unicorn. When I turned 27, I bravely ventured into therapy, embracing various forms—psychotherapy, sex therapy, psychomotor physiotherapy, EQ therapy, and yoga. i believe the authentic connection with a therapist, is what unlocks the door to self-acceptance. So the therapist also need to seek therapy to be able to hold a safe space for their clients.

Know better, do better

Trauma, a silent tsunami, affects everyone. You will meet someone who is “traumaing” all over you. A family member, a colleague, a friend, in traffic or at the DMV.
Trauma bears not only a personal weight but also an economic toll on survivors and society. Understanding is the compass guiding us through the tumultuous waters. To forge preventive measures, we must first comprehend what we aim to prevent. My mission is to explore every avenue, not just for personal healing but also to aid others in finding a brighter life post-trauma and to staunchly pursue avenues to prevent future traumas.

Thinking back to my troubled youth, early intervention could have made a difference. If someone talked about childhood abuse at school, I might have sought help sooner. The same goes for my father who abused me—I believe early support at school might have interrupted the cycle of pain.

When do I assume responsibility for the vicious cycle of pain? At 18? As a parent myself? Is it society's duty to intervene? The truth is that help can only be extended when one recognizes the need and bravely seeks it.

why didn’t I?

Shame is one answer. Fear another.

I am slowly understanding that it is not my fault that I have such immature emotional responses. It is my nervous system that is still trying to protect me. My brain did not get the message. I am safe now. It is my responsibility to do something about it.

what can I do?

Talk to someone - Move your body
Talk to a friend, a group, a therapist. Try to do therapy that involves the body, Be kind to yourself, practice it. Touch your self gently, stop and breath.
Remind yourself that it was not your fault. Forgive yourself. Try to move a little everyday, any movement helps. It helps to do something you like.

Look at the trauma works page for some inspiration.

My journey to mental and physical well-being is tough and beautiful. I dream of a world where every child has someone to talk to. Prevention possibilities are vast, reaching both the hurt and those who may hurt others, recognizing their equal importance.

-Tonje Ettesvoll