Healing Through Trauma Recovery Therapy: The True You

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How Trauma Recovery Therapy Supports Self-Discovery

Who are you, when no one else is around? What do you think? What do you feel? What do you enjoy or dislike? How comfortable are you in your own space? From inception we are malleable, clay with some inherent properties molded and influenced by the people and unique experiences that surround us. As a result, sometimes “who” we are becomes more a product of that environment—the thoughts, opinions, and insights of others— than a reflection of our integrity— the wholeness of who we actually want to be. The idea, then, of “just being yourself” becomes substantially more complicated when the social pressures, roles, obligations and desire to “fit in” can often be so profound. It requires a great deal of strength and courage to showcase our uniqueness and interests through empathy and understanding rather than to be restricted by doubt and fear. Uncovering the “true you” within will require a cleanse, a removal of what no longer resonates with your sense of being and an active commitment to focusing on your personal power in the here and now.

The journey to healing from trauma is unique for everyone. Trauma recovery therapy offers a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, rediscover their true selves, and build a path forward. Uncovering the ‘true you’ requires a deep commitment to self-awareness and a willingness to engage in trauma recovery therapy. This work can help you peel back the layers of past experiences and emotions, revealing the person you are meant to be

Awareness & Authenticity

Awareness of who you are in this moment is the first step toward healing. Trauma recovery therapy can help identify the ways in which your past has shaped your current self, and work towards aligning with your authentic values.

As we walk this path of self-discovery, awareness, as in most cases, is the first step. Before we can “just be ourselves”, we have to first identify who it is that we are now, in this moment, and then determine whether or not that person aligns with who we want to be. How do you identify your current strengths? What areas of your life could use improvement? What rules/systems/values do you use to critique yourself? What roles do you serve—for yourself and in the context of others? Do these labels resonate with your values and the person that you want to be? Or are they projections based on the needs of others in your community? Know that your present self is the gatekeeper between your past and your future. As an evolving entity, your life events thus far, and the people who have participated in them, are valuable information, like data points, that mark significant milestones in your personal experience. Use that insight for expansion. Shame can be a blockage or a bridge— it can keep us safely isolated and stagnant in the confines of our past or remind us of our values and encourage us to behave accordingly.

Embrace to Maintain

As we evolve, trauma recovery therapy becomes an important tool for maintaining a healthy sense of self. Through therapy, we can regularly reassess our goals, values, and behaviors to ensure they are in alignment with our true essence. One inevitability of the human condition is our ability to grow, change, and evolve overtime— we’re a continuous work in progress. Like laundry, our needs and desires for the life we want are our responsibility and will require our attention and effort, repeatedly. Some loads will seem larger and more complicated than others. Some will contain elements that don’t belong to you. Some items may even need more sensitivity or attention to detail—like dry cleaning. The goal is not necessarily to complete the perfect load of laundry but rather to care for your belongings so that you can best utilize and enjoy them. The same is true for your sense of self and your energy. When we don’t pay attention to our needs, our values, our goals, or desires, they can pile high within us. If we don’t have enough space to show up for ourselves, how can we expect to be there for anyone else? So, sift and sort through the pile. What is it that you (and only you) want for your life? Pull out the limiting beliefs, the old values that no longer fit, the labels that were forced upon you, and the traits that you no longer wish to embody and add them to the discard pile. Then, smooth, press, and re-dress in your fresh ideas, your true beliefs, your passions and your inspirations.

Mindfulness Tip: Boundary Setting 101

Trauma recovery therapy is a vital tool in uncovering the true you. By committing to therapy and practicing self-awareness, you can start to heal from the past and move forward into a life aligned with your authentic self. Setting healthy boundaries is a key part of trauma recovery therapy. This therapy helps individuals learn to recognize and communicate their limits, ensuring that they protect their emotional and mental well-being. It can be difficult to draw lines between us and the people we care about. While, sometimes, boundaries function as dividers, they can also be useful guides that outline and protect our needs to strengthen our relationships— with ourselves and others. When practicing the art of boundary setting, consider: