This is a post about unexpected gifts.
Healing is an excellent self-investment.
I had a breakthrough this week that has left me with energy and awe.
I live with gender-based violence by my ex. I have experienced acute and egregious institutional violence by an Abuser misusing their privilege. It has been alarming and heartbreaking. As a result, it has been very hard for me to be around or interact with police. I was the one who shielded her eyes on the street to avoid seeing the colour of their uniforms. I was the one who crossed the street to get space. I was one (of many) unable to call the police department when I needed legitimate help. When I got up the bravery to call, I’d meet them outside, so I was never in close quarters with them.
The Vancouver fireworks lock down my neighbourhood. There is a heavy police presence. The police manage the intersections for car access and shut down the street in front of my home. And, of course, my child has her lemonade stand during fireworks. In years past, the bike police gathered for beverages. I stay off in the distance. My friends encourage them to move on.
This Wednesday, our intersection police officer had light duties. He chatted, borrowed cables, drank lemonade, and needed to borrow the washroom, which meant he wanted to follow me into my building to use the facilities multiple times. And so I started to talk to him about trauma-informed services. I gained his insights. We talked about research and data, especially around trauma prevalence.
The data says 55-90% of us experience trauma 3.2 to 5 times in our lifetimes (Greer, 2024)(Fallot 2015), These numbers seem both high and conservative, as we know some populations experience more trauma exposure. I discussed these numbers with this Officer. He disclosed that he had experienced three serious traumas in the last three weeks. I could see it waiver in his eyes. We talked about how formalized, federalized trauma approaches (such as for RCMP) might be too protocoled to take care of the immensely personal impact of trauma, which is physical, emotional, cognitive, and definitely spiritual (Simington, 2013). I suppose I was gifted by a muscular, clearly testosterone-filled male who was gentle and grateful for being in a “fun” location with "functioning" people. I spent 3-4 hours with this Officer. And I ended up thanking him while escorting him into the building on his final washroom trip for being a blessing to me.
Thank God for all these years I’ve invested time, energy, and precious financial resources working on digesting trauma. Thank God for the good, fearless practitioners who accompanied me during acute violence. They taught me firsthand the necessity and blessing of having someone meaningfully, fearlessly accompany. This is why I started this service: to accompany others so they have someone in their corner. Thank God we are in the time of psychotherapy, EMDR, psilocybin, and spiritual healing. Thank God we are in a time we can talk about power imbalances, privilege, and institutional violence. I am encouraged that we can metabolize traumas under the right conditions. Wednesday was unexpected proof of how far I’ve come and left me energized and affirmed.
If you want to work through trauma, feel free to contact me.
Bio
Chavisa Horemans, MES, CDC, CTRC
Workers experiencing trauma are a part of our workforce, and, as such, trauma impacts workplaces.
As a Trauma-Informed Consultant, I support professionals in enhancing their communication and leadership skills. I work with individuals and organizations to create empathetic, compassionate, and effective workplaces through a trauma-informed lens.
With a master's degree in social sciences and a graduate diploma in adult education, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities involved in emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually draining situations. My services are evidence-based.
My expertise extends to Divorce Coaching and Trauma Recovery certifications, allowing me to deliver tailored, holistic, and comprehensive solutions to my clients. I draw from seven years of experience working with people going through traumatic, high-conflict divorces and helping individuals overcome gender-based violence and hidden abuse, providing a safe and empowering space to heal and recover from trauma. As a holistic practitioner, I am also training in Reiki energy work.
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Land Acknowledgement
GRATITUDE
The Mother Corp. is gratefully situated on the unceded ancestral lands and territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/ Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. Respecting the ancestors, supernatural ones, hereditary leaders and matriarchs, creatures big and small for looking after the rich resources and cultural teachings of this spectacular land. Tsawalk - We are interconnected.
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