Finding my “Homeland”
Written by Chisato Hotta, DSW, LMFT, LPCC Growing up, I used to hate my name. I left Japan at 3 years old and many people had a hard time saying […]
Unlearning and learning
Written by Chisato Hotta, DSW, LPCC, LMFT Trigger Warning: This post discusses multiple forms of trauma including graphic descriptions of sexual trauma, physical trauma,emotional trauma and domestic violence/Intimate Partner Violence. […]
The Power of Storytelling in Healing Trauma
Written by Shoval T’Shuva Trauma has a way of making us feel powerless—like a passenger in our own lives, watching as events unfold beyond our control. But storytelling can be […]
Multiple sides to stories
Written by Chisato Hotta, DSW, LPCC, LMFT Multiple sides to stories Many years ago, I was glued to the screen of my television staring at it in disbelief. My friend […]
Trigger Warnings: A Gesture of Care, Not a Limitation
Written by Shoval Tshuva Atonement (2007) As a filmmaker, I see storytelling as a way to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and spark conversations. But with this power comes a responsibility—especially […]
Asking for help
Written by Chisato Hotta, DSW, LPCC, LMFT As a therapist, one of my main roles is to help others when they ask for help. As a friend, I have always […]
When a friendship saved me
Written by Chisato Hotta, DSW, LPCC, LMFT Throughout my life, I have had a few friendships that saved my life, without exaggeration. One of them was my friend, H. H […]
The apology that never came
Written by Lidia Vargas, MSW IHow do you forgive someone that hurt you who never said “I’m sorry”? Sometimes people are forced to forgive without receiving an apology. This, unfortunately, […]
To or by?
Written by Chisato Hotta, DSW, LPCC, LMFT Trigger Warning: This post discusses multiple forms of trauma. If activated, TILA recommends incorporating healing practices such as moving, walking, running, pushing against […]
There’s no “big t” or “little t” in trauma
Written by Sam Lasky When I first heard the word trauma or PTSD, I thought it meant jumping at loud noises or having a panic attack in crowded places. The […]