Welcome
Break Free and Thrive: A Journey to Healing and Renewal
Are you ready to embrace a life of purpose, healing, and faith?
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Do you struggle with self-doubt and feel like you're never enough?
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Are you battling to maintain healthy boundaries with others, but find yourself overwhelmed?
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Do you face sleepless nights, feeling stuck in cycles of fear or anxiety?
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Is emotional or spiritual healing something you deeply desire but don’t know where to start?
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Do you want to deepen your faith, reclaim your joy, and live with confidence and peace?
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Are you looking for someone who believes in you, guiding you as you rebuild your life on a foundation of faith?
You don’t have to walk this path alone. God has a plan for you—a life of freedom, strength, and purpose. Begin your healing journey today with the support and guidance rooted in love, faith, and hope.
It's time to take your life to the next level.
Let’s break the chains together. Reclaim your worth. Grow your faith. Heal deeply.
If you are ready to transform your life, continue reading on how I can help you and reach out to learn what options are best suited for you.
Credentials
Connie Dunn, BSN, RN, NC-BC, BC-MHC
Haven Hospice Director of Clinical Relations
Certified Holistic Nurse Life, Trauma, Health & Wellness Coach
Certified Trauma Informed
Board Certified Christian Mental
Health Coach Via the AACC
Certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist
Overcomers In Him Life Coaching & Ministry
Certified Brain-Spotting Practitioner
Positive Psychology and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
What is Brain-Spotting?
Definition
Brain-spotting is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body to help individuals process trauma and emotional distress. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, this technique aims to access and release unprocessed memories stored in the brain, facilitating healing from traumatic experiences.
How It Works
Brain-spotting operates on the premise that where you look affects how you feel. During a session, a therapist helps the client identify specific "brain spots" by guiding their gaze to particular positions. These spots correlate with areas in the brain responsible for processing trauma. By maintaining focus on these spots while processing emotions and memories, clients can access deeper emotional states and begin to work through their trauma.
The process typically involves:
Establishing Safety: Creating a safe and supportive environment for the client.
Identifying Brain Spots: The therapist assists the client in finding eye positions that resonate with their feelings or traumatic memories.
Processing: The client focuses on the identified spot while the therapist facilitates emotional processing, allowing for the release of stored trauma.
Integration: After processing, the therapist helps the client integrate their experiences and emotions.
Positive Effects for Trauma and Narcissist Abuse Victims
Brain-spotting can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, including those recovering from narcissistic abuse. Some potential positive effects include:
Emotional Regulation: Clients may find it easier to manage intense emotions and stress.
Reduced Symptoms: Many report a decrease in symptoms related to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Increased Self-Awareness: The process can enhance self-awareness and understanding of one’s emotions and triggers.
Empowerment: Victims of narcissistic abuse often regain a sense of control and agency over their lives.
Improved Relationships: Healing from past trauma can lead to healthier interpersonal relationships and improved communication skills.
Trauma
Trauma refers to the psychological and emotional response that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a distressing event. This can include a wide range of experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Trauma can disrupt an individual's sense of safety and well-being, leading to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and despair. It affects not only mental health but can also manifest in physical symptoms, impacting overall quality of life.
The effects of trauma can be long-lasting, often resulting in conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression. Individuals may struggle with intrusive memories, emotional numbness, or difficulty forming relationships. Understanding trauma is crucial for effective healing, as it allows individuals to process their experiences and seek appropriate therapeutic support, ultimately paving the way for recovery and resilience.
Trauma Backpack
We all carry the weight of trauma...
Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, posits that the autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, social connection, and fear responses. It emphasizes the importance of the vagus nerve, which influences the heart, lungs, and digestive tract, and is divided into three pathways: the dorsal vagal complex (related to immobilization), the sympathetic nervous system (associated with fight or flight responses), and the ventral vagal complex (responsible for social engagement and calm states).
According to this theory, our physiological states affect our emotional experiences and behaviors, suggesting that feelings of safety and connection are essential for effective emotional regulation. This understanding can inform therapeutic approaches, particularly for individuals recovering from trauma, by highlighting the significance of creating safe environments to foster healing and social engagement.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that views the mind as comprising various "parts," each with its own perspectives, memories, and roles. These parts often represent different emotional states or experiences, such as the inner critic, the wounded child, or the caretaker.
IFS operates on the premise that these parts interact like a family system, influencing an individual’s thoughts and behaviors. The goal of IFS therapy is to foster harmony among these parts by promoting understanding and healing, particularly for those that are burdened by trauma or negative experiences.
Central to this approach is the concept of the "Self," a core aspect of an individual that embodies qualities like compassion, curiosity, and confidence. By helping clients access their Self, IFS encourages integration and balance within the internal system, leading to greater emotional well-being and resilience.
Statistics
Mental Health and Women
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders: Women are approximately 1.5 times more likely than men to experience depression and anxiety disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime.
Narcissistic Abuse
Impact of Narcissistic Abuse: Research indicates that individuals who experience narcissistic abuse often develop symptoms similar to PTSD. A study found that around 70% of victims reported experiencing significant emotional distress and psychological impacts, such as anxiety and depression.
Trauma
Trauma Exposure: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that about 60% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Women are more likely to report experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence, which can lead to long-term mental health issues.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
CPTSD Prevalence: The prevalence of CPTSD among trauma survivors varies, but studies suggest that around 25% to 50% of individuals who have experienced prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse or long-term emotional abuse, meet the criteria for CPTSD.
Gender Differences: Women are more likely to develop CPTSD than men, largely due to higher rates of sexual trauma and domestic violence. Some studies indicate that women account for approximately 70% of those diagnosed with CPTSD.
These statistics highlight the significant impact of trauma and abuse on women's mental health, underscoring the importance of awareness, prevention, and effective therapeutic interventions.
Learn more:
Narcissism and Codependency
Narcissism and codependency are closely intertwined, often creating a dysfunctional dynamic in relationships. Narcissists typically exhibit a strong need for admiration and validation, which can lead them to manipulate or exploit their partners to meet these needs. Conversely, codependent individuals often seek to derive their self-worth from caring for others, frequently at the expense of their own needs and well-being. This can result in a cycle where the codependent partner enables the narcissist's behavior, fostering dependency and emotional imbalance. As the narcissist demands more attention and validation, the codependent becomes increasingly enmeshed, struggling to assert their own identity and boundaries, which perpetuates the unhealthy relationship dynamic.
