In this episode, Gregory dives deep into the transformative power of using affirmations for trauma healing. Unlike traditional positive thinking, this approach focuses on trauma-informed affirmations that honor your pain while supporting your healing journey. You'll discover how to work with your nervous system instead of against it, creating gentle bridges between acknowledging your trauma and nurturing recovery. Gregory shares compelling research on neuroplasticity and how specific, authentic affirmations can literally rewire your brain, plus practical techniques for creating statements that feel true to your experience. Through real listener stories and evidence-based strategies, you'll learn to transform your inner dialogue from self-criticism to self-compassion.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional affirmations often fail trauma survivors because they ignore nervous system responses
- Trauma-informed affirmations acknowledge current reality while opening doors to healing possibilities
- Your brain's resistance to positive statements is protective, not defiant
- Bridge affirmations create stepping stones from pain to self-compassion
- Consistency matters more than immediate belief when rewiring neural pathways
What You'll Discover- How to create affirmations that work with your nervous system states
- The difference between toxic positivity and authentic self-compassion practices
- Specific techniques for emergency affirmations during trauma responses
- Evidence-based approaches to building personalized affirmation practices
- Body-based methods for making affirmations feel real rather than hollow
Resources Mentioned- Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's research on constructed emotion and affect labeling
- Dr. Bessel van der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score" trauma research
- Dr. Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation
- Dr. Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion and cortisol reduction
- Internal Family Systems therapy approach to working with wounded parts
Next Episode Preview Next week, we'll explore overcoming isolation and finding meaningful ways to reconnect with others and yourself. We'll discuss practical strategies for bridging the gap between surviving and truly living.
📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at cptsd@senseofthisshit.com.
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