Polyvagal Theory in Psychotherapy: Practical Applications for PTSD Treatment| Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Polyvagal Theory in PsychotherapyPolyvagal theory in psychotherapy offers co-regulation as an interactive process that engages the social nervous systems of both therapist and client. Social engagement provides experiences of mutuality and reciprocity in which we are open to receiving another person, … Continue reading

Self-Compassion and Childhood Trauma Recovery

An Intention of KindnessThe pain of unresolved relational trauma from childhood often presents as self-critical thoughts, feeling intolerant of our mistakes, or engaging in self-harming behaviors. Self-compassion as applied to trauma recovery allows us to transform our pain. The word … Continue reading

Complex PTSD and Attachment Trauma | Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Complex PTSD occurs as a result of repeated or ongoing traumatic events. While complex trauma can happen at any time in life, this post focuses on attachment trauma related to childhood abuse or neglect. Most often there is a combined wound, … Continue reading

Neuropsychotherapy and Trauma Treatment Dr. Arielle Schwartz

The Neurobiology of Trauma Recovery In short, neuropsychotherapy refers to the practice of integrating neuroscientific research into psychotherapy. This integrative approach to therapy that explores the connections between your mind, body, environment, and social interactions. A wide range of therapeutic … Continue reading

The Hero’s Journey in Trauma Recovery-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

A Journey of Resilience In the Colorado foothills where I live, we have a path that traverses an area of the forest that burned down several years ago. Under the burnt remains of these trees we discover a lush underbrush, … Continue reading

Connection and Co-Regulation in Psychotherapy-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Discovering Self in Relationship Connection is at the core of all human experience. We all share the need to be seen and understood. We long to belong and to experience ourselves within the context of loving, nurturing relationships. Sadly, childhood … Continue reading

Out of the Shadows: Healing from Shame-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Bringing the Exile Home Shame is a wound of not belonging. It leaves you feeling like an exile; a stranger in a strange land. Shame might come as a result of feeling different or not understood in your family. Shame … Continue reading

The Polyvagal Theory and Healing Complex PTSD-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Illuminate a Path to Freedom If you have grown up with long-term, chronic trauma exposure you might find it difficult to accurately perceive whether people or places are safe or trustworthy. Sometimes, it can become difficult to tell differentiate between … Continue reading

Catch the Upward Spiral and Strengthen your Resilience-Dr. Arielle Schwartz

The Power of Positive Change Do you ever notice how one small positive change can shift your perspective? Recently, I had one of those rough days and was feeling irritable and down. I decided to get out for a walk … Continue reading