Relational Trauma Recovery Center

Relational Trauma Recovery Center Michelle Roberts is a psychotherapist, journalist, and professor. Her work focuses on the intersection of culture, relationships, and modern narcissism.

She helps women break trauma cycles to become their whole, radiant selves.

As I sit down to write, my heart feels the heavy weight of losing two incredible souls, President Jimmy Carter and First...
12/30/2024

As I sit down to write, my heart feels the heavy weight of losing two incredible souls, President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. We said goodbye to Mrs. Carter last year, and now we mourn the President. It’s hard to imagine a world without their light.

Reflecting on my time with the Carters fills me with warmth and inspiration. In 2004, Mrs. Carter chose me as a journalism fellow, and with her moral and financial support, I was able to investigate longstanding abuse and inhumane practices at Oregon’s 145-year-old psychiatric hospital, famous as the set of the 1975 movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The state closed the hospital in 2006, and I continued to work with the Carters for another 16 years on various initiatives. That experience ultimately inspired me to the work I do today as a mental health professional.

The Carters’ legacy shines so brightly—championing mental health, advocating for the unheard, and tirelessly working for peace across the globe. They were a remarkable team, and their love for each other and humanity was palpable.

I’ll never forget dinner with President Carter, his genuine curiosity about my North Dakota farm roots made me feel so seen and valued. For the past 20 years, I cherished hand-signed notes from Mrs. Carter—a holiday greeting or a reminder of the impact of our shared work. This year, that tradition ended, leaving a poignant silence.

President and Mrs. Carter were as good as they seemed—humble, dedicated, and filled with love. Their laughter and commitment remind us of what truly matters.

As we honor their memory, let’s embrace their lessons: advocate for those in need, listen deeply, and strive to make the world better. Though they are gone,they’ve planted deep seeds that we must continue to nourish. Thank you, President and Mrs. Carter, for everything. You will be profoundly missed. 🇺🇸

Welcome to my little corner of IG. My name is Dr. Michelle Roberts, and I am a psychotherapist, professor, and journalis...
11/28/2024

Welcome to my little corner of IG. My name is Dr. Michelle Roberts, and I am a psychotherapist, professor, and journalist. My work focuses on the intersection of culture, relationships, and modern narcissism. I help women break trauma cycles to become their whole, radiant selves.
So many incredible women quietly suffer, projecting an Insta-perfect image while their personal lives feel like anything but. It doesn’t matter how successful we’ve become; we can still show up with a lifetime of hurt and tangled layers of personal, relational, societal, and cultural losses. We come with aching pasts and masterfully designed defense mechanisms to shield ourselves from the unbearable pain.

Having served hundreds of women in my private practice and engaging with thousands more through my research and writing, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the intricate dance of complex trauma and its profound impact on women’s lives — and, most importantly, the steps that can lead to lasting repair.

My work skillfully integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic and mindfulness-based therapies, parts work, the wisdom of relational psychotherapy, and psychedelic-assisted therapy as a state-licensed psilocybin facilitator. I collaborate with you to identify your goals and craft a program that resonates with your needs. You bring a willingness to dive deep into the heart of things.

Women who engage in the journey often find themselves changed in body, mind, and spirit. They grow more attuned to their physical selves. They learn to trust their feelings and insights; they make good decisions on their own behalf. They find new meaning in life and all that has happened.

They take back their power so they can put it to wonderful use.

Welcome to my little corner of IG. My name is Dr. Michelle Roberts, and I am a psychotherapist, professor, and journalis...
11/28/2024

Welcome to my little corner of IG. My name is Dr. Michelle Roberts, and I am a psychotherapist, professor, and journalist. My work focuses on the intersection of culture, relationships, and modern narcissism. I help women break trauma cycles to become their whole, radiant selves.
So many incredible women quietly suffer, projecting an Insta-perfect image while their personal lives feel like anything but. It doesn’t matter how successful we’ve become; we can still show up with a lifetime of hurt and tangled layers of personal, relational, societal, and cultural losses. We come with aching pasts and masterfully designed defense mechanisms to shield ourselves from the unbearable pain.

Having served hundreds of women in my private practice and engaging with thousands more through my research and writing, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the intricate dance of complex trauma and its profound impact on women’s lives — and, most importantly, the steps that can lead to lasting repair.

My work skillfully integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic and mindfulness-based therapies, parts work, the wisdom of relational psychotherapy, and psychedelic-assisted therapy as a state-licensed psilocybin facilitator. I collaborate with you to identify your goals and craft a program that resonates with your needs. You bring a willingness to dive deep into the heart of things.

Women who engage in the journey often find themselves changed in body, mind, and spirit. They grow more attuned to their physical selves. They learn to trust their feelings and insights; they make good decisions on their own behalf. They find new meaning in life and all that has happened.

They take back their power so they can put it to wonderful use.

My name is Dr. Michelle Roberts, and I am a psychotherapist, professor, and journalist. My work focuses on the intersect...
05/20/2024

My name is Dr. Michelle Roberts, and I am a psychotherapist, professor, and journalist. My work focuses on the intersection of culture, relationships, and modern narcissism. I help women break trauma cycles to become their whole, radiant selves.
So many incredible women quietly suffer, projecting an Insta-perfect image while their personal lives feel like anything but. It doesn’t matter how successful we’ve become; we can still show up with a lifetime of hurt and tangled layers of personal, relational, societal, and cultural losses. We come with aching pasts and masterfully designed defense mechanisms to shield ourselves from the unbearable pain.

Having served hundreds of women in my private practice and engaging with thousands more through my research and writing, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the intricate dance of complex trauma and its profound impact on women’s lives — and, most importantly, the steps that can lead to lasting repair.

My work skillfully integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic and mindfulness-based therapies, parts work, the wisdom of relational psychotherapy, and psychedelic-assisted therapy as a state-licensed psilocybin facilitator. I collaborate with you to identify your goals and craft a program that resonates with your needs. You bring a willingness to dive deep into the heart of things.

Women who engage in the journey often find themselves changed in body, mind, and spirit. They grow more attuned to their physical selves. They learn to trust their feelings and insights; they make good decisions on their own behalf. They find new meaning in life and all that has happened.

They take back their power so they can put it to wonderful use.

Last week I arranged this bouquet of roses and peonies, paying homage to the season that mirrors my own life at 53. As a...
11/09/2023

Last week I arranged this bouquet of roses and peonies, paying homage to the season that mirrors my own life at 53. As autumn paints the world in hues of gold and crimson, it calls us to pause, to pull back the veil of perpetual busyness and explore our inner landscape. The falling leaves remind us of the impermanence of life, urging us to explore who we are, what we stand for, and how we contribute to the greater unfolding of the universe.
Inquire now about safe and legal psilocybin-assisted facilitation in Oregon, empowering your journey of self-discovery and profound transformation. Click the link in my bio for more information. "

Start experimenting with self-love:1. Set aside some time for yourself every day: Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour, ca...
10/25/2023

Start experimenting with self-love:

1. Set aside some time for yourself every day: Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour, carve out some time in your day to do something that brings you joy and makes you feel good. It could be anything from taking a bubble bath to reading a book to going for a walk in nature. The key is to prioritize yourself and your needs.

2. Practice positive self-talk: Notice when you're speaking negatively to yourself and turn it around. Instead of focusing on your flaws or mistakes, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a dear friend, with kindness and compassion.

3. Make a list of your non-negotiables: What are the things that are most important to you? What are your values and beliefs? Make a list of your non-negotiables and use them as a guide for making decisions and setting boundaries.

4. Say "no" when you need to: It's okay to say no to things that don't align with your values or that don't serve you. Saying no is a form of self-care and self-respect.

5. Practice gratitude: Take some time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. It could be as simple as being grateful for a warm cup of coffee or a good night's sleep. Cultivating a sense of gratitude helps to shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life.

6. Move your body: Exercise is a great way to show your body some love. Find a form of movement that feels good to you, whether it's yoga, running, dancing, or something else entirely.

7. Treat yourself: Whether it's buying yourself a small gift or indulging in a favorite food, treat yourself to something that brings you joy. You deserve it!

Image Jacob Loafman

Healing doesn’t always come in the form of a grand gesture or magical fix. Sometimes, it’s the small, everyday moments t...
10/24/2023

Healing doesn’t always come in the form of a grand gesture or magical fix. Sometimes, it’s the small, everyday moments that bring us the most peace.
~Kacey Musgraves

Let me know in the comments if you agree.

Keep surrendering to the process of transformation and growth.Share this with somebody who you love to encourage them on...
10/23/2023

Keep surrendering to the process of transformation and growth.

Share this with somebody who you love to encourage them on their journey.

Thoughts on Self-CareAs someone who has spent a significant amount of time exploring the concept of self-love, I can tel...
10/18/2023

Thoughts on Self-Care

As someone who has spent a significant amount of time exploring the concept of self-love, I can tell you with certainty that it's not a one-time event or a quick fix. It's a lifelong journey, a daily practice, and a commitment to yourself.

To truly love yourself means to accept yourself as you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses, without judgment or criticism. It means honoring your needs, desires, and boundaries, and taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Self-love also means being kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards yourself. You wouldn't speak to a loved one the way you sometimes speak to yourself, would you? Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a dear friend.

Another aspect of self-love is trusting yourself and your intuition. You are the expert on your own life, and no one knows what's best for you better than you do. Listen to your inner voice, and follow your heart.

Self-love also involves setting healthy boundaries and saying no when needed. It means valuing your time, energy, and resources, and not allowing others to take advantage of them. Remember, you are not responsible for other people's happiness or well-being. Your primary responsibility is to yourself.

Finally, self-love means embracing your uniqueness and celebrating your individuality. You are a one-of-a-kind creation, and there is no one else like you in the world. Embrace your quirks, talents, and passions, and allow yourself to shine.

Self-love is not a luxury or a selfish act. It's a necessary foundation for a fulfilling and joyful life. So, my dear friends, I invite you to make self-love a priority in your life and to treat yourself with the kindness, compassion, and respect that you deserve.

Image

Address

Richmond Heights, MO

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Relational Trauma Recovery Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Michelle Roberts, MEd, MS, LPC, NCC

The most difficult traumas from which to recover are those that occur at the hands of those we expect to love and protect us.

Relational trauma can occur when the actions of another violate the trust on which a relationship was built. The experience of profound and unexpected betrayal can be deeply traumatic and cause lasting changes in the areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotion, thought, and memory. This can happen when we are children, and it can happen when we are adults.

When your brain is hijacked in this way, regaining control is difficult, no matter how long ago the betrayal occurred. Yet your brain is resilient, and so are you. Treatment at the Relational Trauma Recovery Center is designed to take advantage of neuroplasticity – your brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in order to adapt and adjust to new situations, experiences, and environments.

I work with clients whose PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addictions were caused by past trauma, particularly narcissistic abuse. My multi-dimensional approach, which includes such modalities as EMDR and somatic experiencing, is shaped by the latest research in neuroscience. Each of the methods that I use is informed by what is now known about the brain, what I can learn about the particular needs of each client, and how I can craft a treatment plan specific to those needs.