Mapping Your Journey
The backlash of childhood trauma can feel overwhelming. Depression, anxiety, dissociation…these may have become your daily companions. Running from this, trying to control it with a sheer force of will is exhausting. But there is hope for change. This does not have to be your reality or your fate. You can reclaim your life.
In Tools & Resources you will find information on some of the methods that have been used to assist survivors. Many of these methods are evidence based as well as being supported by research. A description of the method, books to read, and where to go for more information is included. In addition, a description of the stages of healing is available at The First Step. It will help you to develop your own road map to recovery.
Numerous methods, too many to count, have been developed for helping people with mental and emotional challenges. Be open and willing to explore. What works for one person, may not work for another. Though we are all different in our personalities and preferences, the key concepts for healing trauma remain the same. Regardless of what path you choose, incorporate these essential concepts and tools into your healing journey:
• Belief: Nothing good was ever accomplished without belief. Many before you have found peace and healing, and you will too. Believe in yourself and your ability to heal. Some part of you knows exactly what is needed to accomplish your healing goals. Trust that inner advocate.
• Acknowledgement: Problems cannot be solved unless they are first acknowledged. Admit to yourself that you need to deal with the effects of your trauma. Running, self medicating, and denying them is not going to make them go away. What is your truth? Be willing to tell it.
• Curiosity: Your inner advocate, the most authentic Self is curious about the inner workings of your mind and the damaged parts of you that need attention. Healing may involve finding, hearing, and responding to those wounded parts. Self-compassion is the hallmark of the authentic self. Learn to use it.
• Surrender: Let it be what it is. You did not cause these problems through any fault of your own, but you are now left to take responsibility for their impact on your life. Let it be what it is and stop fighting. This does not mean that you give up, it means that you hold a space for yourself in which to heal. Take the time, do the work, it will be worth it in the end.
• Insight: Understanding how childhood trauma has affected your development, the ways that you function in the world is key. Awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions that come from your “trauma voice” is essential to keeping a more mature, authentic self in the “driver’s seat”. With practice, you can develop the mindfulness that will help you to do this.
• Choice: Learned helplessness is not your legacy. You have the power to choose what your life will be. Examining beliefs about yourself and others, choosing new beliefs and incorporating them into your life is absolutely possible. Choice is available to you. Dare to dream again.
• Patience: Healing takes time. Be kind and patient with yourself. These challenges didn’t develop overnight, and they will not be “fixed” overnight. View it as a process of becoming and not arriving. All of life is like that.
• Love: The world will never again be graced by another you. You are unique, beautiful, worthy of love and protection and you are enough just as you are. You are not an object, you are not something to be owned or used, or trampled on at will. Own your right to the space you occupy on this planet. Embrace your right to your body, your mind, and your heart. They are yours and no one can ever take that away from you. Love yourself, radically, relentlessly, wholeheartedly.
Before you commence reading the information offered on this website, please read the Disclaimer & Disclosure and proceed to The First Step to begin. Thank you.