In Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In October of 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence held a “Day Of Unity” to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues and raising awareness for those issues. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week, and in October 1987, the first Domestic Violence… Read More

Covert Childhood Trauma Can Lead to PTSD

Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with members of the military, veterans, police officers, emergency personnel, and people who have faced life-threatening situations, the disorder can be triggered by any overwhelming experience, including years of emotional abuse and neglect in childhood. Read More

First Responders on The Front Lines of Mental Health Crisis

EMS Week, (May 21 – 27) is an annual celebration and recognition of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Paramedics. EMS providers make a 24/7 commitment to saving the lives of people in their communities. They are the health safety net for millions of people who… Read More

Dr. Jon Caldwell on Attachment, Trauma, and Mindfulness

Dan Griffin, a Senior Fellow at The Meadows, recently sat down with Dr. Jon Caldwell, Medical Director for Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, for an in-depth conversation about early childhood trauma, attachment, triggers, reactivity, and more. The conversation was featured on Griffin’s… Read More

Practicing Mindfulness Meditation

By Joyce Willis, Therapist at The MeadowsMindfulness is the innate ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing while not being overreactive or overwhelmed by what’s happening around us. Mindfulness meditation allows you to slow down racing thoughts, release negativity, and connect with… Read More

The Complex Trauma Survivor Faces a Lifetime Worth of Bullying

By Shahida Arabi, M.A. Complex trauma survivors face a dilemma that very few can fathom: they are forced to confront present-day stressors while attempting to resolve triggers from the past. These layers upon layers of trauma take courage, support, and time to unravel. The healing journey of a complex trauma… Read More

Setting Healthy Boundaries

By Caileigh Smith, MC, LAC We often try to motivate ourselves through should statements: “I should’ve done better.”“I shouldn’t have said that.”“I should only have one cookie.” The only thing that’s guaranteed from should-ing on ourselves is the emotional consequence of guilt. This is also the case when other people… Read More

Helping Therapists Healing from Their Own Trauma

The Meadows has been facilitating its signature workshop, Survivors, for more than 30 years. Many people’s lives have been changed by the opportunity to confront the deep emotional impact of their childhood trauma. Read More

The Real Impact of Rape Culture and Sexual Trauma

When bystanders pulled Stanford University swimmer and Olympic hopeful, Brock Turner, away from the woman he was sexually assaulted behind a fraternity house dumpster, he laughed. When the judge in the resulting sexual assault trial handed down a sentence much more lenient than the recommended six years of jail… Read More

Trauma from Natural Disasters Can Linger

Trauma that arises from natural disasters—like the horrific flood that has devastated much of Louisiana this week—can have a heavy emotional toll on those who are directly affected, including survivors, rescue workers, volunteers, bystanders, and witnesses. Mild to moderate stress reactions are normal and expected for anyone involved. Although their… Read More