Just a few weeks ago, I experienced something so scary that it sent me back in my trauma recovery. Suddenly, feelings of shame and violation have come flooding back. This is trauma recovery: good, bad, and ugly.
Author: Dana Rutherford
Hope Breakfast by Sunrise of Pasco: Keynote Speaker- Dana Rutherford
Dana Rutherford shares her story of overcoming abuse through receiving services from Sunrise of Pasco just three years prior. She is now a domestic violence advocate and speaker. Click to see more.
The Trauma Survivor’s Guide to the Crazy Gift of Grief
Just this past month, I was hit hard with feelings of sadness and regret during a time that should have been the happiest of my life after graduating college. There is no playbook when it comes to grief, and I realized at 36 years old, my childhood trauma needed some nurturing.
The Trauma Survivor’s Guide to Romance After Wreckage
Romance is much more than being swept away, having sex, or a cheesy Hollywood movie. It's also more than the manipulative "honeymoon stage" of the abuse cycle. You CAN have romance after wreckage (including sex and fancy dates), and this is what it looks like in real life.
The Trauma Survivor’s Guide to Dating After Divorce
"Dating after divorce, especially if the prior relationship was toxic, can be challenging. You have been starved of genuine love and attention for so long that you almost crave it. On the flip side, you may be so extremely sensitive to red flags that you are almost looking for any reason to run because you never want to endure what you survived again. So, how do you find a balance?"
The Trauma Survivor’s Guide: Sober Truth Podcast
We were so blessed to join Sober Truth Project and George A. Wood for his Sober Truth Podcast. It was clipped into 3 parts, and we hope that you enjoy it!
University of Florida Online Commencement Speech-Dana Rutherford
I was chosen to give the University of Florida Online Commencement Speech for the graduating class of Spring 2022. This was emailed to all University of Florida Online students as well as shared on social media. It will be used for future students as well. I get to honor my parents, God, family, job, and more. Thank you to the University of Florida and UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for making my dreams come true. 💙🧡
The Trauma Survivor’s Guide to Psychological Abuse: Gaslighting, Reactive Abuse, and More
Many people walk around psychologically abused, and they don't even know it's happening. Tactics such as gaslighting and reactive abuse are just some of the weapons used against survivors to keep them confused and blaming themselves. Read on to learn more about this and how I took back my life from it.
The Trauma Survivor’s Guide to Suicidal Thoughts: How Mental Health Issues Can’t Just Be “Prayed Away”
*TRIGGER WARNING* I had dealt with suicidal thoughts off and on my entire life. I had no idea that getting the help I needed could intensify that in the beginning of my trauma recovery. As much as I believe in the power of prayer, I needed more help. Read on to hear more about my story with suicidal thoughts.
The Trauma Survivor’s Guide to ADHD:How Stigma Leads to Suffering
There is SO much more to ADHD than just being hyper or distracted, and stigmas are causing many kids and adults to be misdiagnosed with behavioral issues. My sons' battles caused them to beg me for help. I pray my story helps another parent who may be allowing people's opinions cause them to feel ashamed to get their children (or themselves) the help that they need.
The Trauma Survivor's Guide to Life Abundantly 