Trigger Warning: This blog discusses the signs of childhood trauma which may bring up difficult emotions for some readers. I recognize that reading about these topics can be overwhelming, especially if you've experienced similar situations. Please take care of yourself as you read and know that you can pause or step away at any time. Remember, you’re not alone, and support is available whenever you’re ready.

Unresolved childhood trauma can deeply influence how we feel, connect, and cope in adulthood. In this compassionate and informative guide, Katie Byram—a trauma therapist based in Walnut Creek, California—explores the lasting impact of childhood and relational trauma. She breaks down common nervous system responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, and offers practical, empowering strategies to support your healing journey. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, people-pleasing, or emotional overwhelm, this post provides insight and actionable tools to help you reconnect with yourself and move toward greater emotional freedom.

Trigger Warning: This blog discusses the signs of emotional abuse, which may bring up difficult emotions for some readers. I recognize that reading about these topics can be overwhelming, especially if you've experienced similar situations. Please take care of yourself as you read and know that you can pause or step away at any time. Remember, you’re not alone, and support is available whenever you’re ready.

When we think of abuse, we generally think of extremes, like what we see portrayed in the movies. However, abuse can take many forms and vary in intensity and impact.

We’ve all heard about the more obvious forms of abuse—physical and verbal—but emotional abuse can be harder to understand and even more difficult to spot. Nearly half of all women (48.4%) and men (48.8%) in the United States go through psychological aggression from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling confused, overwhelmed, or drained in your relationship, it’s worth exploring the signs.

Do you sometimes feel like your feelings and needs get ignored in your relationships? Maybe you find yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say “no,” leading to feelings of resentment and frustration. 

When boundaries are blurred, it can create tension and misunderstandings that impact our relationships, making everything feel more complicated. Over time, this pattern can leave you feeling uncomfortable, annoyed, or even hurt.

Deep down, you want things to be different—you crave relationships where your needs are heard and respected. If this sounds familiar, it's probably time to establish healthier boundaries.