What Are the Stages of Healing from Trauma?
Life can throw some really difficult curveballs. Trauma, whether from a single event or ongoing experiences, can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of how to move forward. The good news is, healing is absolutely possible and there are some wonderful therapists in the Salt Lake City and Utah County areas that can help.
When you’re trying to heal and move past a traumatic experience, it can be helpful to know that healing doesn’t happen all at once. Rather, it happens in stages. Like peeling the layers off an onion or watching ice melt and then evaporate.
It’s also important to remember that your journey won’t always be a straight line. We have outlined here a few common stages of healing from trauma. While these are typical stages, and the information can be helpful, your path will be unique to you and unfold on your own timeline.
1. Finding Safety and Stabilization
The first step on the road to healing is creating a safe space for yourself. Sometimes therapists refer to this as “finding your footing.” In this stage, you’re just focused on getting to a safe place where you can focus on healing. A therapist can help you challenge some unhelpful thoughts that make feeling safe difficult. A therapist can also validate and help you give yourself permission to do what you must to tend to your own health.
Creating a safe space for yourself might involve learning skills like setting boundaries in relationships, prioritizing healthy sleep habits, or learning relaxation techniques. The purpose of this stage is to build a strong foundation—the sturdier it is, the better you can handle whatever comes next.
2. Remembering and Mourning
As you feel more secure, you might start to explore what happened. In therapy, you might hear it referred to as processing. Processing can bring up waves of emotions—anger, sadness, guilt—and that’s completely normal. Think of it as finally facing the storm you’ve been hiding from.
Processing it isn’t easy, but it’s like cleaning out a dusty attic: you might unearth some hard things, but you’ll also find treasures you forgot about. A therapist can be a tremendous help in navigating these powerful feelings in a healthy way. A therapist can help you examine the facts, reframe your perspective, and foster compassion and forgiveness for yourself and others.
3. Reclaiming Your Life: Reconnection and Integration
The third stage is about moving forward. Because healing isn’t just about the past. It’s about rebuilding your sense of self and purpose so that you can live the life you want. You might start to reconnect with loved ones, explore new interests, or even experience personal growth you never expected. This stage is about taking back the pieces of your life and creating something stronger than before.
A Few Final Notes
Remember, healing is a personal journey, and there’s no set timeline. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your victories (big and small!), and don’t be afraid to seek professional help. There are many resources available, including therapists and support groups, to guide you on your path.
If you need to speak with a therapist, reach out here to connect with one of our team members. We work with patients across Salt Lake City and Utah Valley and we’re eager to help.
