In this two-part special, we are dissecting what trauma recovery truly is. In Part One, we will be examining the different emotional stages that we pass through when we embark on this journey of reclaiming what we lost. Then, in Part Two, we will discuss the three main stages of recovery, from establishing safety, to remembrance and mourning, to reconnection and integration. Together, we will walk through the stages step-by-step as based on my own experience, the experiences of other survivors and therapists, and the one-of-a-kind book "Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror" by Judith Herman.

Topics/Triggers:

• The emotional journey of recovery blossoming from and into Shock, Dissociation, Shame, Self-Blame, Anger, Intense Sadness/Grief, and Acceptance

• Potential reconnection with the perpetrator and why it occurs

• The value of accepting that trauma occurred even after the body does all it can to protect itself

• Brett Kavanaugh's nomination feeding into rape culture and the gaslighting of survivors

• Why recovery starts immediately after the rape/trauma event, not just when we decide to go to therapy

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If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

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