Yes, there is life after a Trauma diagnosis
Trauma can define us, but how about we redefine trauma...
The German word for trauma is ‘Seelenerschütterung’. The first part, ‘seele’ means soul... ‘erschütterung’ is something that shakes us out of the ordinary flow and out of our usual sense of time into an extra-ordinary state (Gudrun Zomerland)
Trauma then is a soul shaking experience that ruptures the continuity of our lives and tosses us into an alternative existence. (Frances Weller)
Trauma is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you
​If my trauma was that my mother gave me to a stranger … that will never not have happened. But if the wound was that I decided as a result that I wasn’t worthwhile as a human being, I wasn’t lovable, that’s a wound that can heal at any time.
~ Gabor Mate
Growth
​When we speak of growth, it’s important to note that we’re not talking about the traumatic event itself, but how the event becomes a catalyst for positive change. PTG is the process after the traumatic event.
We have the potential to experience a positive change, not in spite of, but because of the struggle with a major life crises. As we grapple with our trauma, the potential consequence of this is growth.
Here is a helpful formula:
If Trauma = threat + helplessness
Then Healing = safety + empowerment
Safety
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Empowerment
Post Traumatic Growth is the growth towards
empowerment
Empowerment towards Personal Strength
Empowerment towards Closer Relationships
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Empowerment towards a Greater appreciation for Life
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Empowerment towards New Possibilities
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Empowerment towards Spiritual Development
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Moving forward, towards Post Trauma Growth, means going through an intense phase of reflection and letting the change actually change you.
If you have a desire for growth, Hakomi sessions will be invaluable to your healing journey
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