R
rondd
Thank you. Reflection is certainly helpful as it is a form of processing when dealing with trauma. Unfortunately, many of us with trauma may spend many years reflecting. There comes a time when we have to stop reflecting and move on for the following reasons: If not careful, excessive reflection can turn into rumination which is negative and destructive. This can then lead to additional faulty thinking which can turn into obsessive compulsive thoughts and then eventually cause intrusive thoughts. As a result, this creates additional problems that may include depression, isolation, eating disorders and a number of other issues. This slows down the recovery process. I share this information based upon research and my own issues.I think you mean ruminating, rather than reflecting. There is, inevitably, a place for reflecting on our past when we have ptsd on board.
A number of people in therapy or not, reflect on their trauma to the point where they relive the experience(s) over and over and over again. This only gives the trauma more negative thinking power which furthers delays the healing process.