Navigating self-identity after trauma can feel like trying to ride a bike for the first time. For those with Complex PTSD, the path to self-discovery is often clouded by deep wounds and disconnection. But healing begins with small steps, reconnecting with your body and thoughts, and gradually building a sense of self. Learn how to start this journey and embrace the discomfort along the way.

Showering may seem like a simple task, but for individuals with Complex PTSD, it can feel overwhelming. Sensory triggers, past trauma, and motivation struggles can make this daily routine exhausting. By understanding your personal reasons for showering and implementing small, manageable steps—such as adjusting water temperature, wearing a bathing suit, or using alternative cleansing methods—you can create a self-compassionate approach to hygiene. Overcoming shame and reframing negative beliefs can also help make showering feel less daunting. Read on for practical strategies to make this task more manageable on your healing journey.

Massage therapy can be a powerful tool for managing Complex PTSD, but for many, the idea of being touched can feel overwhelming. Understanding how trauma impacts the body and learning ways to ease into massage—such as working with trauma-informed therapists or starting with self-massage—can make a significant difference. Research suggests that body-based therapies, including massage, can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being. Ready to explore how massage can support your healing journey? Let’s dive in.

Welcome to The Trauma Compass! I'm Candace Dickinson, and I'm here to help you navigate trauma, anxiety, and life's emotional challenges with practical tools, relatable insights, and a sprinkle of humor. With over 11 years of experience and personal lessons learned along the way, I offer guidance and support to help you find your path to healing.

Coloring isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool that can help manage symptoms of Complex PTSD. By engaging the creative brain, coloring promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and fosters mindfulness. Research even shows that structured coloring, like mandalas, can increase happiness in trauma survivors. However, it’s important to use coloring mindfully, as excessive use may lead to dissociation or avoidance. Learn how to integrate coloring into your healing process effectively and find resources for therapeutic coloring pages.

Managing Complex PTSD can feel overwhelming, especially when distressing emotions take over. The Hands-on Heart technique is a simple yet effective tool that helps bring you back to the present moment. By creating warmth and sensation in your hands and placing them on your heart and stomach, you can reconnect with your body and ground yourself during moments of panic or emotional overwhelm. Regular practice can help improve emotional regulation and self-awareness. Ready to give it a try? Follow the step-by-step guide and see how this tool can support your healing journey.

Ever snapped at someone because you were hangry? Fired off a regrettable text in anger? Found yourself spiraling into loneliness or making poor choices when exhausted? The HALT method—Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired—highlights the emotional states that make us vulnerable to impulsivity. At The Trauma Compass, we help you recognize these triggers and navigate them with mindful strategies. Learn how to check in with yourself, regain control, and set yourself up for success—before emotions take the wheel.

When I first heard about EMDR, I was skeptical—moving your eyes back and forth to process trauma? It sounded too good to be true. But after trying everything from talk therapy to medication with little success, I gave EMDR a chance. The results were life-changing. Not only did it help me heal from deep-seated trauma, but it also reshaped how I approach therapy with my clients. In this post, I’ll break down the science behind EMDR and why it’s one of the most effective trauma treatments available today.

Breathing isn't just a wellness trend—it's a life-sustaining force we can control. In this post, we explore how breathing techniques like Square Breathing and 4-7-8 Breathing can calm your body, reduce stress, and support trauma recovery. Learn to use your breath as a powerful tool for emotional wellness, one breath at a time.

At The Trauma Compass, we help survivors navigate their healing journey with practical tools, somatic practices, and compassionate insights. Our mission is to turn complex trauma into clarity, guiding you through emotional challenges with ease and even a touch of humor. Healing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming; together, we’ll make it a journey of growth, empowerment, and lasting well-being.