How do we understand recovery?
Complex trauma occurs after situations such as ongoing emotional abuse or coercive control. Exposure to repeated abuse facilitates the development of deeper issues like emotional dysregulation, a negative self-view, difficulty trusting others, and intrusive memories. Survivors may feel constantly on edge, struggle with relationships, and avoid triggers that remind them of the trauma. It can also cause physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Healing is possible through trauma-focused therapy (such as EMDR) and understanding, building a support system, and practising self-compassion. Recovery is a gradual process, but with the right help, individuals can reclaim their sense of self and peace.
Of course, every survivor has their own story, and it's not fair to generalise across everybody's experience, but there are similarities in how people recover. Recovery is building a meaningful present and future.
Working with survivors is based on Judith Herman and her stages of recovery. And as you'll hear, more often than not, recovery is not linear - it's more like a spiral.
