The Great Dark settled onto the Pacific Northwest in mid-November, permitting the reprieve of sunlight for what seems like only a few hours each day. I'm being dramatic, but having spent so many years in the southwest it's a bit unnerving to step outside my office at 5pm and remember that I missed the day's allowance of sun. The bright streetlights illuminating the cars only accentuate the darkness beyond their reach. On these evenings, I drive home and strap on an LED lighte

Warning: This article contains details about sexual trauma that may not be appropriate for some readers. Caution recommended. Shelia's* Story “Trauma? Like PTSD? But I haven’t been to war. I haven’t even seen someone die. How can I have PTSD?” Shelia sat on my couch, hands clenched on her thighs. Her right foot tapped her left foot in unrhythmic jolts.  “Yes, your symptoms are trauma symptoms.” “Like what?” “All of the things you just mentioned. You experienced a sexual assau

For any woman who has experienced sexual trauma or coercion - this book is for you If you've ever known a woman who has experienced sexual trauma or coercion, even if she doesn't recognize it as sexual trauma, this book is for her.   Tabitha Westbrook takes a delicate--yet honest--approach as she puts words to experiences that many find unspeakable in her new book, Body & Soul, Healed & Whole . Through transparency, honesty and research, she gives clear definitions for those