Trauma Recovery Resources
Content Warning
The content you are about to see contains themes that may be disturbing and trigger anxiety or flashbacks in those who have experienced abuse, assault, neglect or harassment. Many process trauma through expression in written dialogue, visual art or other creative mediums. Survivors should be aware of the following content and make an informed decision before continuing. ❤
ONLINE VIDEOS
Let’s Talk About Consent
Lady Gaga’s Survivor Speech
MOVIES + SHOWS
BOOKS + POETRY
PODCASTS + MUSIC
Sexual Assault Trauma
Inside Eyes • Laura Mae Northrup
A High School Assault • The Daily
After: Surviving Sexual Assault • Catriona Morton
A GOP Ally for Sen. Gillibrand’s Fight • Brian Lehrer
Relationship Trauma
Where Should We Begin? • Esther Perel
The Healing Trauma Podcast • Monique Koven
Transforming Trauma • NARM Training Institute
A Criminal Underworld of Child Abuse • The Daily
Self-Love & Empowerment
DIPSEA • Sexual Power
Unlocking Us • Brene Brown
The Yoga Bunny • Guided Meditations
Mindfulness for Beginners • Shaun Donaghy
10 Best Podcasts about Mental Health • Oprah Daily
THERAPY GRAPHICS
THERAPY QUOTES
In recovery the objective is for the past to become a very tiny part of your very large, confident, capable & free self. Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.
• ROSENTHAL
Ignoring things does not preserve peace.
• HARBISON
Being vulnerable or having vulnerabilities does not give anyone the right to violate you. People who see that as an opportunity have problems, not you.
• MEL
It’s going to be difficult to trust yourself if you only define your worth through others’ validation.
• BIANCA
I actually hate the word “culture” when describing work places, because what does that even mean? What we are talking about is behavior. Calling it culture allows people to distance themselves from the hard work of looking at emotions & behaviors from within.
• ECBH STAFF
A lot of people mistake you to be fearless, but you are just that brave. Remember you don’t have to be brave every day.
• COREY
Emotions are not good or bad. We have to identify them, acknowledge them & process them.
• ASHLEY
You are heard. You are worthy. You are deserving.
• KEVIN
It takes a team to unravel trauma. Allow yourself to be held as your wounds are being tended to.
• SABRINA
Trying to change the unwilling is a 100% fail rate mission.
• MEL
Music provides a rhythm for healing.
• JARED
It’s hard to convince yourself of something you don’t believe. What happened? What’s influencing you? Outside factors matter too. Sometimes we move to execution before evaluation. Slow down, step back & thought challenge long enough to avoid unwanted reactions or impulsive decisions.
• ASHLEY
Pain + Avoidance = Suffering
• ECBH STAFF
Setting boundaries teaches others to respect your time, thoughts, feelings, actions & energy.
• KEVIN
It’s time for you to come first.
• HALEY
Patterns of our communication take a lot of time & energy to alter. Have patience & grace with yourself.
• SABRINA
My goal is to be my own reason to live.
• SIDNEY
Sometimes we accidently change ourselves to belong, but we always have the choice to reclaim our lives.
• ASHLEY
“I’m getting better, but it’s clunkier than I hoped.”
“It’s interesting you thought healing from trauma would be anything but clunky. Have compassion and patience with yourself as you brave the dark.”
• DAWNA
Light can only get in when the door to learning is open.
• COREY
Just because you learn a tool doesn’t mean you will be perfect at using it or that life will be easy. It’s about recognizing spirals and reframing where you’re at. Changing those screams to whispers and persisting.
• VICTORY
Sometimes it’s hard to see small changes because we’re too close. If lapses are an expectation, you won’t be as set back when it happens. It’s intimidating to try again when we perceive something doesn’t work or we’ll never get it right. That’s a lot of weight on yourself to balance. With consistency, patience & self-love, you will see results.
• ASHLEY
Turn the mind – radical acceptance – practice willingness – notice willfulness.
• DBT
You’re still learning the difference between being responsible TO someone and being responsible FOR someone. You were trying to help them, but it was more than they were willing to help themselves. Now your top priority needs to be the things you desire, value & need for your recovery.
• MEL
Nervousness goes away with readiness.
• ECBH STAFF
Discovering who you are is more important than trying to prove yourself to harsh critics.
• VICTORY
Justice assesses what is owed, not to victims, but to society. I don’t want to choose between my own health & seeking justice anymore.
• SARA
Are you grounded or distracted? Outlets can become extreme, changing from mindful to numbing. Self care is not an escape, it’s being present & processing your emotions.
• ASHLEY
Here today for a better tomorrow.
• ECBH PATIENTS
Stop expecting people who see you as a threat to support you.
• CAMBRIA
You are not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth & your raging courage.
• ELLE
When people show you their red flags, show them your white flag and peace out.
• HANAH
Let the version that you were teach you. Let the version that you are comfort you. Let the version that you are becoming inspire you. You are who you needed to be in every phase of your journey.
• ROMERO
Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts.
• GIOVANNI
You can’t keep her in a cage, clip her wings, tell her lies, say that fragile birds were never meant to fly. Watch her live behind a rusted door, latched tight, her spirit slipping away so you can keep her in sight. Beautiful creatures cannot be confined. Her wings will grow & she’ll find the sky.
• ANN
HELPLINES + WEBSITES
PAVE: How to Support a Survivor
Commentary: The Secret About Suicide
NAMI: National Alliance for Mental Illness
RAINN: Anti-Sexual Violence Organization
HRC: Sexual Assault & the LGBT Community
Air Force Times: Demanding Positive Change
SAPR: Sexual Assault Prevention & Response
S.P.E.A.K.S.: Tri-County Survivor Support Group
Beyond MST: Self-Help App for Survivors of MST
AFSP: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
STAR: Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response Resources
Polished Man: Trauma Prevention & Recovery for Children
The Trevor Project: Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA+ Youth
Laws & Legislation: Military Protective & Restraining Orders
Greatist: To Disclose or Not To Disclose Your Abuser – A Guide
Climb Out of the Darkness: Postpartum Mental Health Support
Military Resiliency Program: Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital
Mobile Justice: First Amendment Right to Record Law Enforcement
Military Times: A Culture that Fosters Sexual Harassment & Assault
PTSD Family Coach: Support for Family Members of those with PTSD
RAND: Air Force Sexual Assault Situations, Settings, & Offender Behaviors
DoD Safe Helpline: 24/7 Confidential Support for DoD Members & Families
Protect Our Defenders: Legal Assistance for Military Sexual Assault Survivors