How Updating Your Self-Model Can Transform Trauma into Triumph

Together, let’s unveil the path to resilience.

Photo by Dean Milenkovic on Unsplash

Introduction

Hey there, folks. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re facing some tough times with someone you love. Maybe it’s your child, your sibling, or your partner, and you’re watching them struggle with addiction, trauma, or mental health challenges. Trust me, I’ve been there. For over 20 years, I’ve walked alongside families just like yours, helping them navigate the rocky terrain of these issues. And let me tell you, there’s one thing I’ve learned that’s absolutely crucial: the power of updating the self.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Let’s start with the basics. Trauma isn’t just about the big, dramatic events like car accidents or natural disasters. It can also stem from more subtle, insidious experiences like neglect, emotional abuse, or even the constant stress of living in a chaotic environment. Whatever its form, trauma has a way of worming its tendrils deep into our psyche, shaping the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

I remember working with a family whose teenage son had been through some pretty rough stuff. His experience of addiction was just the tip of the iceberg. As we peeled back the…