I wanted to share something personal with you.
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with PTSD. It was a moment changed everything for me.
It gave me language for experiences I didn’t know how to explain. It helped me understand why my brain worked differently. Why certain environments, images, or expectations would send my nervous system into overdrive while others would leave me focused and clear.
It’s been a long and difficult, but beautiful process. And as challenging as it’s been, it’s also given me my power back.
Because of how much my PTSD healing journey has impacted me, I’m currently in the process of becoming a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach. It’s one of the most in-depth, eye-opening, and meaningful things I’ve ever done…both personally and professionally.
Being trauma-informed is not just about understanding trauma. It’s about understanding our humanity.
It’s about recognizing that our reactions, habits, and even our clutter are often rooted in survival. And how what’s “messy” on the outside can actually be someone’s way of feeling safe on the inside.
The Link Between Trauma and Clutter
In my 22+ years as a professional organizer, I’ve seen this connection again and again. Clutter often shows up after trauma—not because someone is lazy or disorganized, but because their nervous system is trying to protect them.
I’ve worked with clients who:
- Grew up in scarcity and now surround themselves with abundance to feel secure.
- Survived domestic violence and now keep their bedrooms cluttered because it feels safer.
- Experienced a break-in and now feel more protected by having “layers” between themselves and the outside world.
When you’ve lived through trauma, clutter isn’t chaos. It’s comfort. It’s your brain saying, “You’re safe now. You have enough. You’re protected.”
This is why it’s so important to approach organizing gently—with curiosity, not judgment.
Why I’m Becoming a Trauma-Informed Coach
For me, this certification isn’t just professional growth, it’s personal evolution. I want my clients to feel deeply seen, safe, and understood.
Trauma-informed coaching is about knowing how to work with the nervous system, not against it. It’s about helping people regulate their nervous system before they organize. It’s about asking what happened to you? instead of what’s wrong with you?
I’ll officially be certified in January, and it’s honestly one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It’s pushing me to reflect deeply, to heal even more, and to show up in my work with greater empathy, patience, and clarity.
Because ultimately, this isn’t just about clutter, it’s about care…for our homes, our minds, and our bodies.
Thanks for letting me share this with you. I’m so glad you’re a part of my journey!
