The Hope Circuit

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Why Your ACEs Score Doesn't Mean As Much As You Might Think

MaryCatherine McDonald Ph.D. on March 31, 2024

Despite the widespread use of ACEs to determine someone's level of trauma, the tool is narrow and problematic. Is it time to move on?

Despite the widespread use of ACEs to determine someone's level of trauma, the tool is narrow and problematic. Is it time to move on?

Trauma

Reframing Trauma Healing: The Toolbox Approach

MaryCatherine McDonald Ph.D. on November 29, 2023

Let's reframe trauma healing and consider the tools we can gather to help heal.

Let's reframe trauma healing and consider the tools we can gather to help heal.

Trauma

What Is a Trauma Bond?

MaryCatherine McDonald Ph.D. on October 17, 2023

Few concepts have garnered as much attention as the "trauma bond." But what exactly is it, and why do we find ourselves trapped within these painful dynamics time and time again?

Few concepts have garnered as much attention as the "trauma bond." But what exactly is it, and why do we find ourselves trapped within these painful dynamics time and time again?

Trauma

7 Reasons You Might Avoid Joy

MaryCatherine McDonald Ph.D. on August 29, 2023

When unraveling the enigma of joy aversion after trauma, you could try to explore why positive emotions become triggers and learn a unique practice to embrace joy gently.

When unraveling the enigma of joy aversion after trauma, you could try to explore why positive emotions become triggers and learn a unique practice to embrace joy gently.

Anxiety

Rethinking Trauma: Understanding Anxiety as Adaptation

MaryCatherine McDonald Ph.D. on July 26, 2023

In the aftermath of trauma, anxiety takes center stage. But did you know that it can be a sign of your brain's will to survive? How to cope and heal without shame.

In the aftermath of trauma, anxiety takes center stage. But did you know that it can be a sign of your brain's will to survive? How to cope and heal without shame.

Trauma

Rethinking Trauma: Understanding Intrusion Symptoms

MaryCatherine McDonald Ph.D. on June 21, 2023

Dive into the profound understanding of trauma as a protective response. Discover the power of understanding intrusion symptoms as a path to healing.

Dive into the profound understanding of trauma as a protective response. Discover the power of understanding intrusion symptoms as a path to healing.

Trauma

Rethinking Trauma: Understanding Dissociation as Adaptation

MaryCatherine McDonald Ph.D. on May 18, 2023

Trauma sometimes causes distressing symptoms such as dissociation. What is dissociation, why does it happen, and what you can do about it?

Trauma sometimes causes distressing symptoms such as dissociation. What is dissociation, why does it happen, and what you can do about it?