Unpacking Trauma with Curiosity, Compassion, and a Dash of Humor

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Welcome to The Trauma Compass! I’m Candace Dickinson, a Licensed Mental Health Clinician with over 11 years of experience helping people navigate the wild terrain of trauma, depression, anxiety, and all the other emotional curveballs life throws our way. If life feels like you’re lost in a forest without a map, think of me as your guide with a trusty compass—and maybe a few snacks—to help you find your way.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I’ll admit—this work isn’t just professional for me; it’s personal. Like many of you, I’ve wrestled with trauma myself. Picture me as someone who’s not only studied the map but also tripped on the roots, gotten tangled in the bushes, and eventually figured out a few paths worth sharing. Those experiences have fueled my passion for helping others find their own sense of direction.

One thing I’ve learned along the way is that emotions are a lot like cats. No, really—stay with me here. We often try to stuff them into neat little boxes where we think they belong, but much like cats, emotions are wildly irrational and have their own agenda. You might try to shove them into a “calm” box, but they’re already halfway across the room knocking over a lamp. The best thing we can do is observe them, interact with them on their terms, and, when possible, create a safe space for them to just exist. Fighting what should or shouldn’t be there often leads to more scratches than solutions.

It’s these kinds of analogies that I bring to The Trauma Compass. Why? Because tackling tough topics like trauma and healing doesn’t always have to feel heavy. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help the pieces click into place. My goal is to make complex ideas approachable, relatable, and, most importantly, useful for your everyday life.

Now, let’s set expectations: this blog isn’t a replacement for therapy (imagine trying to use a compass to do the work of a hiking guide—it’d just sit there, looking shiny). Instead, it’s here to complement therapy by helping you better understand yourself and the healing process. One truth I always come back to is this: You can’t have an anxious mind in a calm body. When we focus on calming our bodies, our minds tend to follow—just like a cat who finally settles down when the environment feels safe enough.

At The Trauma Compass, we’ll explore a variety of topics, starting with the basics of trauma and PTSD, explained in simple, relatable terms. We’ll look at how to understand your true self, embrace self-compassion, and use routines as anchors. We’ll also tackle real-life challenges, like navigating emotionally charged holidays, redefining relationships, or even understanding why birthdays can be surprisingly triggering.

Every post is designed to give you something tangible—whether it’s an exercise, a worksheet, or just a new way to think about healing. Everything I share is grounded in research, expert insights, and lessons I’ve learned in both my personal and professional life. This space isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

So, whether you’re just starting to glance at a compass or have been hiking this path for a while, I’m here to walk beside you. Healing is messy, nonlinear, and sometimes feels like the universe forgot to give you a map—but it’s also worth every step.

I’d love to hear your story. Introduce yourself in the comments, share what brought you here, and let’s create a community where support, laughter, and understanding thrive. And if you think someone else could use a compass—or a cat analogy of their own—please share this blog with them.

Remember, healing doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one step, one laugh, and one insight at a time. I’m honored to be part of your journey, and together, we’ll find our way forward—detours, furry metaphors, and all.