Counseling sexual addiction, complex trauma, sexual identity concerns and HIV+.
Find Gratitude for My Betrayal Trauma Experience, Are You Serious Right Now?
If you're like most people, you'd probably be pretty interested in hearing about such an amazing, new discovery. If someone told you they had found a new way to treat betrayal trauma, would you believe them? Would this sound like it's too good to be true? What if it wasn't?
As it turns out, there isn't a new treatment. Instead, the discovery is that the foundation for effective treatment may already exist within us. Ultimately, how we handle what life throws at us is far more important than what happens to us. Indeed, gratitude is one of the most passionate transformative forms of control we have as humans. Likewise, it's a tool that is built right into our DNA. However, we must choose whether or not to use it.
This article will break down the effective role gratitude can have as you move through the process of healing from betrayal trauma.
A simple gratitude journal can lead to significant strides in healing from betrayal trauma.
Gratitude journaling is a process of letting go of the past and moving forward. A simple gratitude journal can be in either digital or physical form. All a person needs is a place to keep a record of their day.
Many people wonder what to write down amid their turmoil.
If you look through any person's journal who is currently in recovery, you're likely to find gratitude entries such as:
- being able to laugh
- the color and texture of yarn
- clarity
- ice cream
- fresh-cut grass
- rain
- sunshine
- getting out of bed with little effort
- I have a job
It's helpful to document your gratitude list, especially on bad days. Remarkably, as you are diligent, you too can discover things to be grateful for even amid the pain and devastation.
Studies show gratitude is a powerful tool for healing from betrayal trauma.
Likewise, as you work through your betrayal trauma, you may find a deep sense of empowerment and gratitude for your journey.
How gratitude can help with betrayal trauma
One reason gratitude may be so effective is it can help you untangle from a negative state of mind that can trap you in your betrayal trauma. (greatergood.berkeley.edu) Does it undo the reality you're facing hard things? No, but it may help you carry the weight of the challenges that come with betrayal trauma.
Studies indicate gratitude can improve feelings of life satisfaction and overall happiness. Likewise, it can help alleviate feelings of resentment, improve forward-thinking and increase hopefulness. The benefits can be yours, regardless of the stage of betrayal trauma you're in.
The concept around gratitude is to focus on and look for what makes you feel great or thankful. First, begin by writing down three things every day. When that gets easy, you could focus on finding something every hour of the day. Over time you'll start to see the positive rewards that come from your efforts. With practice, it can become a natural way of thinking.
Partnerhope.com points out that science shows the cognitive benefits of gratitude are real. Being thankful can change the way our brain functions. For example, it can shift you from fear-based thoughts and choices to a more restful and grounded state of being. This is important because you can get stuck in a fear-based state of mind when living with betrayal trauma.
Gratitude can provide light even amid the darkest of times that accompany betrayal trauma. At Thrive Counseling Atlanta, we can help guide you through the healing process. Betrayal trauma brings many challenges with it, and we want you to overcome every one of them.
Call us today to start your path to healing and recovery.
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