Where does one begin their healing journey?
By the time you are asking where to begin your healing journey, know that you have already begun.
- Know that there is no right place or time to embark on your healing journey.
- As with any issue or concern, the first step is recognizing that there is a need, desire and right to heal.
- Start your healing process wherever you are, get support for what is disturbing you at the moment. Most often, the challenges we are facing stem from previous unresolved (trauma) experiences.
I’ve had the privilege and honor of working with survivors conflicted about healing and moving on with life. There is a common psychological disturbance, that implies that if you (the survivor) heal and recover your life, then the crime and the traumatic abuse, must not have been that bad.
Survivors often struggle and wonder whether the healing journey is worth it. They feel like the journey to healing is just too challenging and they can’t take the pain and disturbance of re-experiencing it. The everyday challenges, even while they are doing the healing work can feel overwhelming.
Steps to help with the healing journey
With the help of a therapist and the appropriate interventions, one begins to understand the impact of sexual abuse and how it shows up in our lives. Often, understanding that some of the impact are the symptoms of addictions, depression, phobias, experiences of panic attacks, compulsive and impulsive behavioral patterns, and difficulties with interpersonal and intimate relationships, to name a few.
- Begin with being gentle with yourself, honoring your body through expressive movements, such as dancing, yoga, running, Tai Chi, the use of acupuncture, acupressure, massages, Reiki and nutrition.
- And, engaging in activities that help calm your, thoughts and spirit, such as meditation, affirmations, visualizations, prayer, writing, and other expressive arts.
- It is also helpful to identify a therapy or support group. Being with and knowing that there are other people that have experienced what (different but relevant) you have can be very powerful, especially if you get to hear from people who are at different stages of their healing.
How and when did you embark on your healing journey?
What have you found helpful?
What gives you hope and empowers you?
What would you say to someone ready to start their journey?
If I can provide support to you, please feel free to reach out to me.
Be Well, Be Blessed
Santa
