Trauma reshapes how we connect. Intimacy—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—depends on trust, safety, and vulnerability. Trauma can fracture these foundations, leaving behind distance, fear, or the sense that true closeness is impossible. For veterans, first responders, and anyone who has lived through overwhelming experiences, intimacy often becomes the most fragile and most hidden casualty of […]
Themes of Impact: Intimacy Read More »
Trauma doesn’t just disrupt how we feel or think—it shakes the very ground of how we relate to power and control. For many veterans and first responders, power and control were once cornerstones of their identity: the ability to command, to respond decisively under pressure, to protect others in the midst of chaos. Trauma can
Themes of Impact: Power and Control Read More »
Trauma doesn’t just live inside the individual—it echoes outward into the way we connect with others. One of the most consistent themes of trauma is its impact on relationships, shaping how we bond, trust, and respond to those closest to us. When trauma disrupts the nervous system, it can create survival-driven behaviors that interfere with
Themes of Impact: Relationships Read More »
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) identifies five “Themes of Impact” — belief areas that are most often disrupted after trauma. These themes represent how we understand ourselves, other people, and the world. When they’re shaken, daily life can feel less stable and predictable. This overview explains each theme and offers practical ways to strengthen them using
Understanding Trauma: Themes of Impact Read More »
