“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.” (p.97)”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Trauma responses show us many different realities. Often leading us to mistrust ourselves. One of the many processes within healing from trauma is leaning into trusting yourself again. Starting by listening to what your gut response is in different situations.
What is my gut (and body as a whole) telling me:
1. Am I feeling safe?
2. Do I trust my environment?
3. Do I feel okay with the people around me?
4. What am I needing in this moment?
5. Am I attempting to numb my emotional experience?
The key piece when working with someone that experiences an addiction is looking past the behaviour and into who that individual is and what brought them to this point.
Addiction Counselling...
Addiction Counselling...
