Empowered Recovery

A BLOG BY DR. ARROYO-CARRION

Black background with gold text that reads "With God All Things Are Possible".

Actionable guidance for survivors of intimate relationship and family trauma.

CATEGORIES:

SEXUAL TRAUMA
GENERATIONAL TRAUMA
NARCISSISTIC ABUSE

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

Your Trauma Recovery Journey Begins Here

This 4-week trauma recovery plan offers small, powerful steps to support healing from childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse, and generational pain. You are not behind, you're right on time.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

How To Start Healing From Complex Trauma And Dissociation

Living with complex trauma and dissociation can feel disorienting—like your body isn’t quite your own, or parts of your day slip away in a blur. Whether you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions or numb and disconnected, you’re not alone. Healing is possible, and it starts with understanding what you’re experiencing and taking gentle steps forward.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

What Is Relational Trauma? (And How It Might Be Affecting You More Than You Think)

Relational trauma isn’t always visible, but it can deeply shape how you experience connection and love. If you find yourself flinching at closeness, fearing rejection, or feeling safest alone, relational trauma might be affecting you more than you realize. Let’s explore what it really means, how it shows up in everyday life, and how healing is possible.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

What Most Couples Do to Fix Relational Stress—And What Actually Works

Many couples who deeply care for each other still find themselves drifting apart—not from lack of love, but because everyday stress like work, parenting, and unspoken resentments slowly erodes their connection. Understanding what truly works to repair this strain is key to rebuilding closeness and lasting love.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

When the Narcissist Goes Silent: Understanding the Punishment Tactic

Setting a boundary or speaking up shouldn’t lead to silence—but with a narcissist, it often does. This isn’t healthy space; it’s the cold, punishing silent treatment. Being ignored for days or weeks is a painful control tactic meant to hurt and manipulate. Understanding this pattern is key to protecting your emotional well-being.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

The Trauma Bond Cycle: Breaking Free from Toxic Patterns

Feeling trapped in a cycle of love and pain? That’s the trauma bond at work—where moments of kindness keep you hooked despite the hurt. It’s not a sign of weakness, but how your brain is wired to survive. Understanding this cycle is the first step to breaking free and reclaiming your emotional freedom.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

Healing Your Nervous System After Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissistic abuse often leaves your nervous system stuck in survival mode—constantly alert or numb, even when there’s no immediate danger. Healing means gently rewiring your body’s response to stress so you can finally feel safe and grounded again.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

5 Essential Steps to Heal After Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissistic abuse leaves deep, invisible wounds that take time to heal. This guide walks you through five essential steps to help you rebuild trust in yourself, break free from toxic patterns, and move forward with clarity and strength.

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Amanda Smith Amanda Smith

Rebuilding Confidence and Self-Worth After Abuse

Abuse can quietly erode your confidence and self-worth—but healing is possible. Learn how to reconnect with your inner strength, rebuild trust in yourself, and rediscover the person you were always meant to be.

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