The Promise of Healing
The suggestions for healing included here are based on the written work of mental health experts who have focused on recovery and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). I have utilized The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook written by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD as a resource to advance my own healing. This book provides powerful new strategies to overcome low self-esteem, shame, depression, anxiety, emotional trauma, and other long-term effects of toxic childhood stress.
What heals the traumatized brain? Love. Glenn Schiraldi writes in his workbook:
“A guiding principle is that mature love, not time is the healing agent. Love—sometimes called by its other names, such as caring, respect, acceptance, compassion, loving-kindness, gentle friendliness, or concern—changes the brain and body in beneficial ways. Love softens traumatic memories. And
memories of being loved, that we access or create, help us tolerate suffering. As one of the world’s foremost neuroscientists Richard Davidson (2009) remarked regarding love’s capacity to reshape the brain, “It all comes down to love.” If love was in short supply in the developing years, you can learn to supply it later in life.”
Every pain or hurt resulting from childhood trauma and toxic stress can be substantially lessened and even eliminated, even decades later. Here are some suggestions to unleash the promise of healing.
Open Up
It’s been said that we are as sick as our secrets. Find someone you trust and share honestly how you feel and what happened to you. Develop a constructive outlet for your painful secrets. Surround yourself with people you trust who know your saga and will journey with you.
Develop Healing Attitudes
I know, easier said than done. Start with admitting to yourself that you were strong enough, resilient enough to survive your adverse experiences and for surviving a difficult childhood. Give yourself credit. Understand and believe you are already starting with an inner strength that can be grown.