November is about revealing. Halloween ends, the costumes go back in their boxes, and suddenly the world turns toward gratitude. But for many of us, the hardest mask to take off isn’t the one from the party — it’s the one we’ve worn for years.

Feeling stretched thin this fall? Discover how noticing, Creative Arts Therapy, and EMDR can help kids, teens, and adults step out of survival mode and reclaim calm. Learn more at START Creative Arts Therapy Services in West Islip.

PS I Love You Day, held every year on the second Friday of February, is more than just a day to wear purple. It is a movement—one that encourages kindness, connection, and mental health awareness. It started in West Islip, New York, in 2010 after a family lost their loved one to suicide. In response, they created a day to remind people that they are loved, valued, and never truly alone.

Over the years, PS I Love You Day has grown into a nationwide event, with schools, businesses, and communities participating by spreading awareness, initiating conversations about mental health, and fostering environments where people feel safe to share their struggles.

Ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, carefully curating the image you project? Online, it’s easy to shape who we are, highlight our best moments, and filter out the rest. In real life, we do something similar—we wear masks that protect us from judgment, disappointment, or rejection. But how much of what we show, whether online or in person, is truly us?

Life often presents us with challenges that shake the very foundation of our mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s navigating personal loss, facing unexpected adversity, or adapting to significant changes in our communities, the road to healing can feel overwhelming. Yet, in these moments of hardship, we often find the opportunity for growth. This concept, known as Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), reflects how individuals and communities rebuild themselves in the face of adversity—emerging stronger, more resilient, and more connected.

Trauma can shatter lives, disrupt the very core of who we are, and fill our existence with secrets, pain, and turmoil. It's a journey that transforms us, often in ways we least expect. This blog explores the world of therapists and clients, recognizing we are both human and on our own path of healing, experiencing the impact of trauma and the transformative power of vicarious resilience, empowerment, and posttraumatic growth.