In Therapy I Learned That

[BlackbirdSinging]

For us as PTSD sufferers and being traumatized a lot of the things we've learned have been damaging and hurtful. I thought this could be a thread where we could post positive things we've learned in therapy. We can post tools we've learned or discoveries we've made about ourselves. Since trauma has had such a loud voice in our lives for so long I was thinking this could be a place where we can give a voice to the positive things and the growth and the changes we're seeing and experiencing. What positive things have you learned? What positive things have you learned about yourself? What realizations have you made that have been helpful to you? What have you learned that works for you? I'll start.

In therapy I learned that my supporters are fighting my PTSD too. Last week in therapy my therapist told me that one of my supporters is fighting my PTSD. When I got home I thought about that a lot. I realized that every time this particular person is being supportive they're actually voluntarily sticking their hands into the mess that PTSD is and trying to touch my pain. From the other side. I'd never thought about it like that before. It gave me such an appreciation for the support that I get.

In therapy I learned that it's ok to assert myself. I'm still learning it. My therapist is guiding me to understand that asserting myself is healthy. It's not me doing something wrong.

In therapy I learned that I have to always be aware of my anxiety. I learned that I have to always be aware of what I need and what I need when I feel anxious. And I learned that I need to take care of myself when I'm feeling anxious.

 

[arfie]

I have learned compassion and trust. I have learned that with awareness and conscientious management, it is possible to live a full and productive life with whatever handicap is thrust upon me. I have learned that it is possible and medicinal to smile in the face of adversity. I have learned that self-care is not "selfish." Personal health impacts the world around me.

 

[SharkyorBones]

I've learned what is reasonable, to meet things in the middle and to be more balanced in my judgments,decisions and relationships.

 

[risingsun]

I haven't had much luck in the therapy department but figured I would contribute anyway. When I was first traumatized I was in very very bad shape and I remember thinking, "how will i ever be happy again?" I didn't think it possible. And as time went by, though, I did learn to laugh more and have wonderful moments. I also learned (as much as I've reached out to family or friends or doctors) that the only person that can heal me, is me and the powers to be. And most of all, I've learned that it is possible to climb out of the darkness. Warmest Always, Rising Sun.

 

[Ronin]

I have learned to demand respect for boundaries in politer ways, out of respect for those people even after they've disrespected me. I thought for a long time what therapy gave me was nothing but loss of time and money. But putting honest thought to this, it gave me more. I learned something about communication there, on enough subtle level I didn't evn realize it.

 

[BlueOrange]

I learned that I should do unto myself as I would have others do unto me.

 

[Hope4Now]

I am beginning to learn the difference between talking with my head only, and talking with my head and my heart connected.

 

[Xephyr]

I'm learning that it's okay for me to not be doing well. It's okay for me to get help.

 

[roaminggnome]

I learned that none of my traumas were my fault. It took forever to get this to stick but thankfully it has.

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I learned in therapy that my reactions to my traumas were "normal" reactions.

I'm trying to learn through therapy and experiences that I have worth.

I'm learning that as hard as it is sleep is important for my body and my brain.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I've learned in therapy that I am a person.

 

[ninja]

I am learning to find, use and listen to my voice.