Navigating the Holiday Season While in Trauma Therapy
What You Might Encounter the Next Few Weeks
As the holiday season got kicked off with Halloween (or, as I like to call it: Sahmin - Witches New Year), the world expects us to shimmer with the promise of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for those of us who are on the path of healing from trauma, this time of year can bring a unique set of challenges. Being in trauma-focused therapy during the end of the year with the expectations that come from family, friends, and work can feel like a cheese grater on your nerves.
In order to help ease some of the anxiety that might come up for you, I’m beginning a five week series, "Things to Remember as you head into the Holiday Season While You're in Trauma Therapy". My intention is to help guide you through this often tumultuous journey and offer insight into the profound transformations that can occur during this challenging time of holidays, gatherings, and social expectations. Here is what we’ll be talking about over the next several weeks.
1. It’s going to feel like you’ve gotten worse
You've embarked on the courageous path of trauma therapy, and it's natural to question whether the discomfort you're experiencing during this season means you're moving backward. In the first part of the series, we'll explore why it might feel like you've become more sensitive or thin-skinned. The truth is that you're becoming more attuned to your inner world. You're learning to identify your triggers and set boundaries for yourself. This heightened self-awareness is a sign of progress, not regression.
2. The Challenge of Boundaries
In the second installment of the series, we'll delve into the challenges of setting boundaries. People who have benefited from your lack of boundaries, self-esteem, or individual identity may resist your newfound assertiveness. They might label you as selfish or ungrateful for being boundaried, having self-esteem, or simply being your own person. We'll discuss strategies for navigating these reactions with grace and confidence.
3. It’s going to feel exhausting
As you progress in your trauma therapy journey, you may find yourself feeling more exhausted than ever before. In the third post, we'll explore why this exhaustion is a sign of transformation. Your nervous system is adjusting to a new orientation, and this process can be uncomfortable. Being embodied and present takes a lot of energy, especially if dissociating or avoiding were your previous coping mechanisms. We'll provide insights on managing this fatigue and finding comfort in your evolving self.
4. Discovering New Triggers
The fourth post in our series will focus on the emergence of new triggers. These triggers signify growth, as they indicate that old wounds are healing. We'll discuss how to view new triggers as opportunities to gather valuable data about your stress responses and adapt your coping skills for future situations. Understanding these new layers of your trauma is an essential step toward lasting healing.
5. Navigating Frustration and Disbelief
Finally, in the last post of this series, we'll tackle the frustration, sadness, and anger that can arise when your healing isn't recognized or welcomed by others. We'll offer guidance on handling situations where people may resist or dismiss your progress, and how to use nonviolent communication and healthy coping skills to maintain your sense of self without inciting conflict.
The holiday season is intended as a time of reflection and connection, and this series aims to empower you to navigate it with confidence, even while you're in the midst of trauma therapy. Each post in this series will provide practical insights, strategies, and support to help you thrive during this challenging period and make the most of your healing journey.
As we embark on this journey together, remember that healing is a complex and evolving process. Your growth might not always be readily visible to others, but that doesn't diminish its significance. Embrace the transformation and celebrate the progress you're making in your trauma therapy. We're here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools and understanding to make this holiday season a time of true healing and self-discovery. Stay tuned for the upcoming posts, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.