Post-Traumatic Growth & Resilience

Post-Traumatic Growth is a term that describes the positive psychological changes that some people will begin to experience as a result of coping with trauma.  This is not about denying or minimizing the pain,

but rather about finding meaning, purpose, and new possibilities in the aftermath.

It can involve changes in several domains:

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• Appreciation of Life:  You may begin to value your life more and not take things for granted.  You may also feel more grateful for what you have and express it more often.

• Relationships with Others: You may begin to feel more connected to your loved ones and friends.  You also may find that you are more compassionate, empathic, and supportive of others who may be going through difficult times.

• Personal Strength:  As you continue to heal, you may discover inner resources and abilities to overcome challenges that you never even knew you possessed.  This is all about resilience!  You may find yourself feeling more optimistic about the future than you even did before the trauma.

• New Possibilities:  You may begin to explore new paths and opportunities that were not available before.  You may also choose to pursue new goals, interests, or hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment.

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Post-Traumatic Growth is not something that happens automatically or easily.  It requires time, effort, and support from others.  It also does not mean that you have fully recovered or that you no longer experience any negative emotions or symptoms.  It is a dynamic and ongoing process that can coexist with distress and suffering.  As a wise physician once told me about recovery from trauma, "it is not a linear process.  There will be steps forward and steps back - but the overall trend is forward. -Dr. P."  

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At Rise Unbroken, I am here to help you navigate this process - building resilience and achieving post-traumatic growth.  I use evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you cope with your emotions, challenge your negative thoughts, and align your actions with your values.  Just as importantly, though, I will be there to support you and listen.  Knowing someone else is walking along with you as you navigate through the ups and downs of recovery helps to reduce those feelings of being alone with the trauma that many survivors experience.