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… healing as a process
Healing childhood trauma is a multifaceted process that involves addressing different, interwoven, pieces of ourselves.
At a top-level it can be useful to think of these pieces as: mind, body, behaviours, sense of self, spirituality and relationships. All six require our attention when we’re ready.
The order we approach these six aspects of ourselves differs for each of us. Likewise, we each gravitate towards different approaches and modalities to help these pieces heal.
In truth, we subconsciously circle back to each piece time and time again, becoming ‘weller’ each time we do.
When I committed to healing (because I had to, not because I wanted to FYI) I had to address my eating disorder (a behaviour) first. This coping mechanism, along with my dysfunctional drinking, had to be address first because the behaviours were blocking my emotions and damaging my body.
Next, I was instinctively drawn to healing my connection with my higher self (sense of self). I yearned for a spiritual connection and found healing and peace as I allowed myself to explore (spirituality).
This healing slowed everything down and created enough space for me to begin deeper work to address my inner voice (mind) and heal the wounded parts of myself (sense of self).
As my mind-body connection increased I was able to work somatically to help my nervous system and learn to regulate (body).
I won’t go on. You get the picture. It’s a dance, a tapestry…a process.
There’s no ‘right’ way to do it. No perfect fix-all treatment. No precise order.
Just jump in.
Head in the direction that feels right for you and trust that you’ll find what and who you need as you do.
If you’ve enjoyed this note on healing as a process 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.
