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Invisible Bruises

Recognizing patterns and providing support in the aftermath of domestic violence and family trauma.

Family Dynamics
6 Reasons for Roles in Dysfunctional Families

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on May 4, 2024

Dysfunctional family roles perpetuate a cycle of denial and enablement, preventing meaningful change and healing within the family unit. Here are 6 reasons they persist.

Dysfunctional family roles perpetuate a cycle of denial and enablement, preventing meaningful change and healing within the family unit. Here are 6 reasons they persist.

Complex PTSD
10 Common Signs of C-PTSD

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on April 21, 2024

C-PTSD can be a result of growing up in an abusive or traumatic household, among other causes. Knowing how symptoms manifest can empower survivors to heal and move forward.

C-PTSD can be a result of growing up in an abusive or traumatic household, among other causes. Knowing how symptoms manifest can empower survivors to heal and move forward.

Trauma
Why Do We Dismiss Non-physical Trauma?

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on April 16, 2024

Trauma is trauma, and all of it has consequences, but non-physical trauma during a child’s developmental years comes with additional complications.

Trauma is trauma, and all of it has consequences, but non-physical trauma during a child’s developmental years comes with additional complications.

Trauma
Isolation: A Common Result of Surviving Family Trauma

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on April 14, 2024

The complexities of family dysfunction can be met with confusion, discomfort, or even dismissal from those who do not have a frame of reference for the experience.

The complexities of family dysfunction can be met with confusion, discomfort, or even dismissal from those who do not have a frame of reference for the experience.

Family Dynamics
When It’s Abandonment, Not Estrangement

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on April 12, 2024

An estrangement between parent and child can only happen one way. When a parent voluntarily cuts themselves out of a child's life, this is abandonment—not estrangement.

An estrangement between parent and child can only happen one way. When a parent voluntarily cuts themselves out of a child's life, this is abandonment—not estrangement.

Neurodiversity
Developing Self-Acceptance of Neurodiversity

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on March 29, 2024

Personal Perspective: Neurodiversity can lead to sensory processing difficulties. Improved understanding and awareness can help, but self-acceptance is key.

Personal Perspective: Neurodiversity can lead to sensory processing difficulties. Improved understanding and awareness can help, but self-acceptance is key.

ADHD
When Trauma Manifests as ADHD Symptoms

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on March 6, 2024

While not all of those with trauma will have ADHD, and not all of those with ADHD have had trauma, there are common links. Focusing on symptoms and not just the diagnosis can help.

While not all of those with trauma will have ADHD, and not all of those with ADHD have had trauma, there are common links. Focusing on symptoms and not just the diagnosis can help.

Trauma
The Link between Emotional Eating and Early Trauma

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on February 11, 2024

Using food to cope with negative emotions is common in those who experience trauma in childhood. Showing compassion for yourself and your body can help break the cycle

Using food to cope with negative emotions is common in those who experience trauma in childhood. Showing compassion for yourself and your body can help break the cycle

Domestic Violence
Can Domestic Abuse Survivors Ever Get Justice?

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS on February 6, 2024

Most survivors of intimate partner violence want an acknowledgment of their abuse experiences, both from the one who abused them as well as the community who failed to stop it.

Most survivors of intimate partner violence want an acknowledgment of their abuse experiences, both from the one who abused them as well as the community who failed to stop it.