The reality? Trauma changes you. However, you may not know that those changes don’t have to be perpetually negative.
Even if you’ve been supported and processed your trauma, you likely know that life afterward isn’t necessarily easy and care-free. That's okay. Honoring your periods of survival, grief, and your unique process of recovery is part of the journey. It’s part of moving forward in a healthy, meaningful way.
Have you ever wondered why some people talk about “blessings”, “life lessons”, “wisdom,” or transformation after experiencing something terrible? It’s because, as you heal, you can experience positive changes. We refer to this phenomenon as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Simply put, this is the capacity for resilience and hopeful, forward movement resulting from your trauma.
Basically, the most difficult period of your life can actually precede the best version of yourself. With solid support and experienced trauma counseling, you may discover that your trauma transformed you and actually inspires you to live in completely new ways.
What Is Post-traumatic Growth Exactly?
The term “post-traumatic growth” originated from the research of Richard Tedeschi, Ph.D., and Lawrence Calhoun, Ph.D., in the 1990s. Generally, it is believed that post-traumatic growth evolves from actively addressing and fully processing trauma. Dealing with emotions like loss, anger, and other emotional pain is the first step. Then, a period of reflection can occur, allowing for significant change and growth.
In other words, your efforts to think it through, deal with it, and try to make as much sense of it as best you can can prove emotionally and mentally productive. This isn’t forced or retraumatizing. It is best accomplished with trauma counseling.
As you learn to reflect on your experience, you may start to recognize that you feel less and less defeated by it. You may see your trauma differently and value the resulting impact on your life and beliefs differently. You may even feel increasingly empowered and positive. Essentially, PTG happens when your difficult experience shapes a more willing, open, generous frame of mind.
What Does Post-traumatic Growth Look Like
Research suggests that five key areas indicate post-traumatic growth. You may experience growth in all five, though many people experience a change in just two or three capacities. An experienced, compassionate trauma therapist can help examine your experience and gain some clarity if necessary. Consider the following.
PTG Often Happens in 5 Key Ways
1. You want to make the most of everything.
Do you feel compelled to make the most of your time and everyday experiences? Your sense of life’s potential hits differently now. Your struggles have given birth to new possibilities and fresh starts. Taking much for granted feels incompatible with your new outlook. How you spend your life matters greatly to you.
2. You feel connected and close.
Are your relationships with people changed? You may seek deeper connections with certain people. It’s not unusual to feel a bond with other trauma survivors. You feel appreciative and thankful for the people in your life. Supportive relationships are much more gratifying and enjoyable. Additionally, you may experience a deeper sense of compassion and generosity that fosters meaningful interactions with your loved ones, community, and even the world. Relationships seem to hold much more promise.
3. You know your own strength and trust yourself more.
Can you now cope with uncertainty confidently? You may notiice a boost in personal strength and proactivity. Your ability to practice acceptance and tap into the lessons learned from your trauma is helping to make life less scary or confusing for you. You may find too, that you are less anxious and more able to cope and make self-honoring decisions. Your past only informs you no longer limits your self-perception or life choices.
4. Your perspective & priorities are shifting.
Does life just look and feel different than ever before? You may experience a deep shift in perspective. Your overall worldview may change as a result of the reflection, introspection, and new ideas your traumatic experience fostered. You may feel “unstuck” and ready to invest yourself in causes and relationships that reflect your new perceptions and priorities.
5. You’re exploring what it all means.
Do you wonder about your place in the vastness of everything? It isn’t uncommon to experience a growing fascination with spirituality and finding life's meaning. Your beliefs may be changing or transforming markedly. The PTG journey can genuinely open your mind and heart, changing your life and how you view your connection to the universe.
Experience Post-traumatic Growth With Professional Guidance
Accepting life’s difficulties, healing, and moving on don’t always come easily. Your trauma is unique to you and must be processed fully and with a wealth of support. Then, PTG can happen. Rushing or judging yourself isn’t necessary. What matters most is healing with the help you need.
Trauma counseling helps reconnect your sense of safety, agency, and power. As you become more aware and able to explore your emotions, you’ll find that healthy, productive engagement with the world can happen more frequently. Hope and positivity grow as you feel more comfortable contributing to the world on your own terms.
I am here to help you get through your disaster feeling secure, validated, supported, and empowered. Please read more about our Trauma Treatment services. Please call (805) 374-1770 or email me at Linda@lindafisherman.com for compassionate care and support.