Trauma is a powerful force that can leave lasting scars on our minds and bodies, affecting every aspect of our lives. Whether it stems from a single event or prolonged exposure to adverse experiences, trauma can disrupt our sense of safety, shatter our beliefs, and undermine our ability to trust ourselves and others. Yet, despite its profound impact, healing from trauma is possible. It’s a journey of awareness, self-discovery and growth that requires patience, courage, and self-compassion.
The first step in healing from trauma is acknowledging its existence. Often, we may try to minimize or ignore our painful experiences, hoping they will simply go away. However, avoiding or denying trauma only prolongs our suffering. Instead, we must bravely confront the reality of what we’ve been through, acknowledging the pain it has caused us. This can be a challenging and emotional process, but it’s essential for moving forward. A safe way to make sense of what happened to you is by starting a journal. Your thoughts, ramblings and emotions will eventually reveal insightful patterns to you.
Healing from trauma is not a journey we should undertake alone. Seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can provide us with the validation, empathy, and guidance we need to navigate our healing process. Therapy or coaching in particular, can be incredibly beneficial, offering a safe space to explore our emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop healthier ways of relating to ourselves and others.
Trauma often leaves us feeling broken, unworthy, and ashamed. However, it’s important to remember that we are not defined by our past experiences. Practicing self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially during times of pain and struggle. This means acknowledging our feelings without judgment, honouring our needs, and offering ourselves the same love and compassion we would to a dear friend in need.
Gabor Mate, a leading expert on trauma recommends compassionate self-enquiry, a way of communicating with yourself to further your understanding, without judgement.
There are many different approaches to healing from trauma, and what works for one person may not work for another. Exploring various healing modalities can help us discover what resonates with us and supports our healing journey. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, art therapy, and somatic experiencing can all be valuable tools for processing trauma and reconnecting with our bodies and emotions.
Make sure the coach or therapist you enlist is skilled and able to navigate you through your trauma. I use EMDR, Hypnotherapy and EFT (Tapping) to support the honouring and releasing of symptoms from trauma. You may find you have to try a few approaches or combine a number of approaches to create the shift you need.
Healing from trauma is not a linear process, and setbacks are inevitable along the way. Cultivating resilience involves developing the inner strength and flexibility to bounce back from adversity, no matter how many times we may stumble. This resilience can be nurtured through practices such as gratitude, optimism, and cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.
Trauma can often leave us feeling silenced and disconnected from our true selves. Embracing self-expression can be a powerful way to reclaim our voice and assert our identity in the aftermath of trauma. Whether through journaling, creative writing, music, dance, or other forms of artistic expression, finding ways to express ourselves authentically can be deeply healing and empowering.
Trauma can leave us feeling vulnerable and easily overwhelmed by the demands of others. Setting boundaries is essential for protecting our emotional and physical well-being and asserting our needs and limits in relationships. This may involve saying no to activities or people that drain us, prioritizing self-care, and surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals who respect our boundaries. Give yourself permission to take a break while you do the deep work and regulate your nervous system.
Healing from trauma is a gradual and often non-linear process that requires patience, self-compassion, and self-care. It’s important to give ourselves permission to take breaks when needed, to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that bring us joy and comfort. Prioritising self-care is not selfish; it’s an essential part of our healing journey.
Healing from trauma is a monumental achievement, and every step forward deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s acknowledging the courage it took to confront painful memories, recognising the growth and resilience we’ve developed along the way, or simply appreciating the moments of peace and joy we’ve found amidst the chaos, celebrating our progress can be a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come.
In conclusion, healing from trauma is a deeply personal and transformative journey that requires courage, patience, and self-compassion. By acknowledging our pain, seeking support, practicing self-care, and embracing healing modalities that resonate with us, we can reclaim our power, rebuild our sense of self, and create a life filled with meaning, joy, and resilience. Remember, healing is not about erasing our past, but rather, integrating it into our present and future with compassion and strength.
You are worthy of healing, and you are not alone on this journey.
Hi! I’m Roksana. I’m a life coach for women in St Albans, Hertfordshire. I run face to face and online sessions via Zoom. I also specialise in trauma healing. I’m always happy to answer your questions around any of my methods or approaches. Long term changes begin with a guide who has walked a similar path, has a blueprint, will give you support and accountability every step of the way. If you’re interested to know more then please book a FREE call with me.
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