notes on freedom
A weekly email series containing easily digestible morsels of info on relational trauma and how to find freedom from it.
THIS WEEK IT’S A NOTE ON…empowerment
In last week’s group I read a passage from Judith Herman’s seminal book Trauma and Recovery. In it, she writes:
“The first principle of recovery is the empowerment of the survivor. She must be the author and arbiter of her own recovery. Others may offer advice, support, assistance, affection, and care, but not cure.”
These words spoke to me, as they did to many of my clients. Perhaps they will speak to you now.
Trauma traps us in a subconscious belief that we’re powerless. You may, or may not, be able to relate to this statement though because powerlessness often manifests as a need to control. For many, the hidden belief drives us to construct our whole lives around proving that we are powerful and in control.
Whether we’re aware of this subconscious belief or not, and no matter how it manifests, it’s there.
Perhaps this insight goes some way to explaining why my approach is self-led. Not alone, not without support, care, affection, connection and advice, but empowered to stand-up and lead. Self-led s a confronting term for many, but self-led is also the road to recovery.
Finding freedom requires us to move towards the idea, that somewhere deep down inside, we feel powerless, with curiosity. We slowly, carefully, respectfully consider how this idea applies to us and how the belief manifests in our thinking and our behaviour.
_____
I dearly hope that these bite-sized notes are empowering you to create the recovery you deserve.
If you’ve enjoyed this note on empowerment and want more, subscribe here.
PLEASE SHARE if you think someone you know will benefit from reading
Sarah Woodhouse is a trauma expert, research psychologist and writer who delivers people the knowledge and tools to recognise and overcome self-defeating cycles, to achieve personal freedom and success. Please follow her on Instagram, Facebook or X for all the latest updates.
