Awareness: The first step in emotional healing is becoming aware of the emotional pain and trauma that needs healing.

These steps were first introduced by John Bradshaw, a prominent therapist and author, in his book “ Healing the Shame that Binds You.” The process of emotional healing can be broken down into seven steps. The Process of Emotional Healing: 7 Steps

Acceptance: In the final stage, individuals come to accept that the trauma has happened and begin to focus on healing and moving forward.

Depression: As individuals realize that they cannot undo the trauma they have experienced, they may experience deep sadness, grief, and a sense of hopelessness.

They may seek out ways to fix or reverse the situation.

Bargaining: In this stage, individuals may try to negotiate with themselves or a higher power to undo the trauma they have experienced.

They may feel frustrated, helpless, and resentful.

Anger: Once denial fades, individuals may start to feel anger towards themselves or others for the trauma they have experienced.

They may try to push their feelings away or downplay the severity of the situation.

Denial: In this stage, individuals may refuse to accept that they have experienced emotional trauma.

These stages were first introduced by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book “ On Death and Dying” in 1969, and have since been applied to the process of emotional healing as well. The five stages of healing are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Somatic therapy, which focuses on the body’s physical sensations and experiences, has also been shown to be effective in treating trauma-related symptoms. Meditation has also been found to be helpful in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Yoga has been shown to be an effective complementary therapy for individuals with PTSD, reducing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and hyperarousal. Various techniques can help release stored trauma in the body and reduce physical symptoms. Another study found that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have greater physical health complaints, including pain and fatigue, compared to those without PTSD. For example, one study found that patients with chronic pain often have a history of trauma and that the pain may be related to the body’s response to the trauma. Research has shown that emotional trauma can indeed be stored in the body, leading to a variety of physical symptoms. Understanding the stages of emotional healing can help individuals navigate this journey and find the support they need to heal. It involves a journey that can vary in length and intensity depending on the individual and the type of emotional trauma they are healing from. When we use movement and words to express the way we feel, we practice being seen and heard.Emotional healing is a complex process that takes time and patience.

This further helps in triggering the relaxation response of the body.Įxpressions: Some of us are brought up in a way where we thought that we are not allowed to express ourselves. Physical activities help in the release of mood-enhancing hormones such as serotonin and endorphins.

Movement helps in releasing such difficult emotions and relaxing the body.Įmotional regulation: Emotional regulation is the process of controlling our emotions for better emotional well-being. Hence, they get bottled up inside us and we are not able to find a proper gateway for them to be released. When we move and stretch, it helps in releasing the stored tension in the body and relaxing the muscles.Ĭatharsis: A lot of emotions such as anger, frustration and sadness know no way of coming out. Releasing stored tension: The body stores a lot of emotions that can pent-up and become tension and stress later. Movement helps us in facilitating the process of connecting with ourselves and knowing ourselves better. A post shared by Anna Papaioannou When we connect with ourselves on a deeper level, we help in developing our mental and emotional well-being.

Outlet for pent up sadness