Expanding our Vocabulary

Individual engaging in learning, expanding their vocabulary and understanding

Empowerment through knowledge

In the journey of trauma healing, the words we use matter. Expanding your vocabulary with trauma-informed language can open new pathways to understanding and healing that may have felt out of reach before. Learning terms like "self-compassion," "boundaries," "validation," and "empowerment" equips you with concepts that validate your experience, offering clarity and direction on your path. Each new word learned can deepen your self-awareness and give language to feelings and experiences that may have previously felt confusing or isolating.

We believe in the importance of continual growth: never stop learning, never stop growing, and never stop healing.

By understanding these terms, survivors can build a stronger foundation for their healing and advocate for their needs with confidence and clarity. At No Longer Silent, we are here to help you learn, grow, and reclaim your voice.

Expanding our Vocabulary

Sexual Abuse (SA): Any unwanted sexual activity, often involving coercion, manipulation, or force.
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA): Sexual abuse experienced by a child under the age of consent, often involving an adult or older individual in a position of trust or authority.
Sexual Violence: A broader term encompassing sexual assault, abuse, and harassment, including any non-consensual sexual act or behavior.
Consent: Clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement to participate in a specific activity. Consent cannot be given under coercion, manipulation, or incapacitation.
Trauma Response: Emotional, physical, or psychological reactions to sexual abuse, including fear, shame, or dissociation.
Grooming: Manipulative behaviors used by a perpetrator to gain trust and prepare a victim for abuse.

Narcissistic Abuse: A form of emotional and psychological abuse inflicted by individuals with narcissistic tendencies or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), often involving manipulation and control.
Gaslighting: A manipulative tactic used to make someone doubt their own reality or perceptions.
Narcissism: Excessive self-focus and a lack of empathy for others, ranging from personality traits to a diagnosable disorder (NPD).
Overt Narcissism: Narcissistic behaviors that are obvious, boastful, and attention-seeking.
Covert Narcissism: Subtle narcissistic behaviors, often involving passive-aggressiveness, self-victimization, or quiet manipulation.
Love Bombing: Overwhelming someone with excessive affection, compliments, or attention to gain control or manipulate them.
Trauma Bond: A strong emotional attachment to an abuser, often formed through cycles of abuse and intermittent reinforcement.

Grounding: Techniques used to bring awareness to the present moment, helping to reduce anxiety, dissociation, or overwhelm.
Somatic: Relating to the body; somatic practices focus on physical sensations to regulate emotions and reconnect the mind and body.
Polyvagal Theory: A theory that explains how the vagus nerve regulates the nervous system, influencing responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or social engagement.
Dysregulated Nervous System: A nervous system that is stuck in heightened states of stress or shutdown due to trauma.
Window of Tolerance: The range in which a person can function and process emotions effectively without becoming overwhelmed or numb.

Modality: A therapeutic approach or method used in treatment, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), or somatic therapy.
ACE Score: The Adverse Childhood Experiences score, a measure of trauma exposure during childhood, which can help understand its long-term effects.
Peer Support Mentor: A trained individual with lived experience who provides emotional support, guidance, and validation to others in similar situations.
Trauma-Informed Care: An approach to support and treatment that prioritizes safety, empowerment, and understanding of the impact of trauma.
Triggers: Stimuli that provoke memories, emotions, or reactions related to past trauma. While we often see triggers as a negative, they can also help us navigate as they show us where we need to heal.
Safety Plan: A personalized plan to manage potential risks, triggers, or unsafe situations.

CPTSD: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in that PTSD typically results from a single traumatic event, while CPTSD often stems from ongoing abuse or neglect, such as childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Spiritual Bypassing: Using spiritual beliefs or practices to avoid facing painful emotions or psychological wounds.
Cognitive Dissonance: The mental discomfort caused by holding conflicting beliefs or values, often experienced during abusive relationships or healing.
Trauma: The emotional, physical, or psychological harm caused by a deeply distressing or life-altering event.
Traumatic Event: Distressing or life-altering event.
Trauma Bond: A psychological attachment to an abuser, created through repeated cycles of abuse and reconciliation.
Boundaries: Healthy limits set to protect your emotional, physical, and psychological well-being.
Dissociation: A mental state of disconnection from thoughts, feelings, or surroundings, often a response to trauma.
Self-Regulation: The ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and physical responses in a healthy way.
Healing Journey: The ongoing process of recovery, self-discovery, and empowerment after trauma.

Disclaimer

The material provided on the No Longer Silent website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health advice. No Longer Silent is not a licensed counseling or medical organization. We are a supportive community dedicated to encouraging and empowering survivors as they navigate their healing journey.

Our services are not a substitute for professional therapy or medical care, and we strongly encourage individuals to seek help from licensed professionals for diagnosis, treatment, and specialized support. By using our resources, you acknowledge that No Longer Silent aims to offer compassionate peer support and education, not clinical or therapeutic services.

Expanding our Vocabulary

📞 Crisis Support No Longer Silent is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call 911 or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 confidential support at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat.

📞 Crisis Support
No Longer Silent is not a crisis service.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide,
please call 911 or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 confidential support at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat.