Quick Summary: Not all therapy harm is obvious. This guide helps you recognize subtle warning signs of therapy harm—from trauma counsellors who can’t handle vulnerability to those who perform frameworks without embodying them. Based on research and lived experience as both client and counsellor. Why this matters Finding the right trauma counsellor can be difficult,…
If you experienced trauma in the childhood, you might recognize these moments: One part of you desperately wants intimacy while another part seems to sabotage every close relationship. You set a boundary, then immediately abandon it to please someone else. You feel rage at a minor inconvenience, but can’t access any anger when someone genuinely…
What you need to know instead I recently saw some social media posts on the “big T/ small t trauma” framework. While this framework has some merit, relying on it to find Big T vs small t trauma therapy options falls short of what’s needed to identify appropriate trauma counselling. I recognize that the framework…
TL;DR (If you’re overwhelmed, read this first) If you’ve tried IFS or EMDR for complex trauma and felt like you failed—you didn’t. The approach failed to meet you. Complex trauma requires a flexible combination of modalities (parts work, somatic practices, nervous system regulation, EMDR, and relational support), not a single “best” method. Look for a…
Welcome to Trauma Demystified, a podcast brought to you by Bright Horizon Therapies. I am Natalie Jovanic, a trauma counsellor and trauma coach, and I am glad you are listening today. Before I jump into today’s episode, “When the past shows up: Understanding Childhood trauma triggers in adulthood,” I want to apologize for taking so…
This comprehensive guide serves as your starting point for understanding trauma and the healing process. While we’ll cover the essential concepts you need to know—from how trauma affects your nervous system to evidence-based recovery approaches—each section connects to more detailed resources where you can dive deeper into specific topics that resonate with your journey. Whether…
If you’ve ever felt drained after interactions with certain people, found yourself saying “yes” when you meant “no,” or experienced that familiar knot of resentment building in your relationships, you’re not alone. These experiences often signal that your boundaries in relationships need attention. Boundaries aren’t walls that keep people out. They’re the invisible lines that…
Many of the clients who choose to work with me are adults with childhood trauma—a journey I deeply understand, having lived through similar challenges myself. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned how overwhelming childhood trauma can feel and how it can continue to affect emotions, relationships, and daily life into adulthood. This insight allows me…
Yesterday, I received an email with the subject line: “Epstein Retraumatizing Victims (Podcast Topic Idea).” The sender wanted to pitch me a “renowned trauma specialist” for my podcast, Trauma Demystified. The problem? I don’t take guests—and even if I did, the headline itself felt sensational and not trauma-informed. It also made me pause and ask:…
Welcome to Trauma Demystified. I’m Natalie Jovanic, your host on this journey. I’m a trauma counsellor and coach, and I also bring my own lived experience to healing relational trauma. Today’s episode is Healing Relational Trauma: What No One Tells You. But before we dive in, I want to honour someone who was an essential…
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Bright Horizon Therapies is located on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). This land is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. We acknowledge the traditional caregivers of the land and the importance of a commitment to continued decolonization of our work.
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