Complex Hope.

The Journey Blog

Should We Reconcile with Abusers?

by Bobbie Byrd | Oct 21, 2024 | Abuse, Church and CPTSD, Domestic Violence

Sometimes God builds bridges. The pain of the past is acknowledged but forgiven. Change has been made. A path forward to come back together is created. It's relational restoration and reconciliation. But sometimes, God builds walls. As much as we all want the story...

CPTSD and Self-Harm

by Bobbie Byrd | Sep 25, 2024 | CPTSD Symptoms, CPTSD Taboo, Negative Side Effects

"I have a lot of teenage clients who do that," the therapist said as she flicked her hand into the air, effectively dismissing the cuts covering my arms and hands. "All you need to do is wear a rubber band around your wrist and pop it when you feel the urge to harm...

How Can You Minister to Someone with Trauma?

by Bobbie Byrd | Sep 25, 2024 | Church and CPTSD

How can you minister to someone dealing with trauma? To minister to someone dealing with trauma recovery, you need to stand with them continuously and safely. The word of God says that God's name is a strong tower, and the mighty run to it, and they are safe (Proverbs...

CPTSD and Domestic Violence

by Bobbie Byrd | Sep 24, 2024 | Domestic Violence, Abuse

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is caused by a life-threatening singular event. But what happens when you live in fear day in and day out for months or even years while experiencing domestic violence? Dealing with abuse in a relationship can lead to complex...

The Monster of Self-Hatred

by Bobbie Byrd | Sep 17, 2024 | Negative Side Effects, CPTSD Symptoms, CPTSD Taboo

There's a monster living within me, the same one that lives within many that are working through Complex Trauma. This gross monster rears it's head multiple times a day with ugly growls that tear down any kind or complimentary words. He's been with me for my entire...

Why CPTSD / Trauma Survivors Struggle With Faith

by Bobbie Byrd | Sep 17, 2024 | Church and CPTSD, Uncategorized

If you do an internet search for “healing CPTSD (or trauma) with Christianity,” you’re going to find articles with Bible verse after Bible verse that all spout hope and strength during trials. Those are great verses. The Bible holds truth and hope in the darkest...

Do You Need To See a Therapist Who Specializes in Trauma?

by Bobbie Byrd | Sep 13, 2024 | Therapy for CPTSD, CPTSD Symptoms

So you've been diagnosed with Complex Trauma or know that you have some pretty ugly stuff in your past and are ready to start talking about it. The question that you might be asking yourself the most is, "Do I need to see a therapist that specializes in trauma?". It's...

What is Complex Trauma?

by Bobbie Byrd | Aug 8, 2021 | Uncategorized

Complex Trauma is a term that many people haven't heard before. Initially, it was just known as PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but as people started doing research into PTSD, they noticed a subset of people whose lives were greatly altered by a more complex...

Finding My Voice

by Bobbie Byrd | May 30, 2021 | Abuse, Domestic Violence

If you asked my friends three years ago what I was like they would probably tell you that I was funny, always had a joke ready or that I knew how to fill the void with laughter. Without a doubt, I knew how to make other people laugh and smile. But there was one thing...

The Church and Trauma

by Bobbie Byrd | Apr 23, 2021 | Church and CPTSD

I need help, I'm suffering in ways that I didn't think were possible and it seems that God is against me. Why won't the church help me? "The church is not equipped to deal with mental illness." Please, I feel so alone. "Do you have a therapist? They should be able to...