Cassi Starc Cassi Starc

16 Signs You’re Taking It Home

The trauma exposure response shows up in 16 distinct ways, named by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky in Trauma Stewardship. Here's what each one looks like, grouped, plus what actually helps.

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Cassi Starc Cassi Starc

What Is Executive Dysfunction? (And Why It’s Not Just ADHD)

When people hear the term executive dysfunction, many immediately think of ADHD. While ADHD is one common cause, executive dysfunction is far broader—and far more misunderstood. Executive dysfunction can affect individuals living with ADHD, long COVID, depression, chronic pain, and more. For many people, executive dysfunction symptoms are mistaken for laziness, poor motivation, disorganization, or simply “not trying hard enough.”

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Cassi Starc Cassi Starc

What to Do When a Client Discloses Trauma (And You’re Not a Trauma Therapist)

A client shares something deeply personal. 

Maybe it’s childhood abuse. Intimate partner violence. Medical trauma. A car accident. Chronic neglect. Workplace assault. 

And suddenly, many healthcare professionals feel an immediate wave of uncertainty: 

“Am I qualified for this?” 
“What do I say?” 
“Is this within my scope?” 
“Do I need to treat the trauma?” 

If you’re an OT, PT, RMT, nurse, physician, or allied health provider, this moment can feel intimidating. 

But here’s what many clinicians need to hear: 

You Do Not Need to Be a Trauma Therapist to Respond Safely and Effectively 

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Cassi Starc Cassi Starc

Scared You’ll Say the Wrong Thing? A Trauma-Informed Guide for Healthcare Professionals 

A client begins sharing something painful. 

Maybe it’s abuse. Medical trauma. Childhood neglect. Workplace violence. A devastating loss. 

And in that moment, many healthcare professionals have the same internal reaction: 

“What do I say?” 
“What if I make this worse?” 
“What if I accidentally retraumatize them?” 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 

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Cassi Starc Cassi Starc

Myth Busting: Why Self-Compassion Isn't What You Think

Many people hesitate to practice self-compassion because of common myths: “It’s self-pity, it’s weak, it will make me complacent, it’s selfish, or even narcissistic.”

The truth? Research shows the opposite. Self-compassion strengthens resilience, fuels motivation, and makes us more present and caring toward others. For healthcare professionals especially, learning to treat ourselves with the same kindness we extend to patients is not indulgence—it’s a lifeline against burnout.

👉 Read the full blog to explore how these myths hold us back, and how practicing self-compassion can restore balance in both work and life.

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