In this bonus episode, the host answers listener questions about acknowledging and accepting traumatic experiences. They discuss trauma occurring despite good intentions, healing from parental trauma while still loving them, and the consequences of refusing to acknowledge trauma. The episode also includes closing remarks, a financial podcast ad, a movie mention, and an ad for 'Therapy for Black Girls'.
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Quick takeaways
Good intentions don't excuse trauma; acknowledging and accepting the harm is crucial.
Resisting the acknowledgment of trauma hinders healing and perpetuates unconscious consequences.
Deep dives
Recognizing Trauma from Good Intentions
Trauma can occur even when there are good intentions behind actions. The podcast host emphasizes that even if someone's intentions were good, it doesn't minimize or excuse the trauma experienced. The episode highlights the importance of acknowledging and accepting situations that may have been traumatic, even when there is resistance to accepting the truth. It emphasizes that individuals have agency in deciding what is traumatic to them and shouldn't be pressured to conform to others' perspectives.
The Complexity of Trauma Acknowledgment
The episode explores the complexity of acknowledging trauma and accepting its impact. It encourages a curious and compassionate approach to examining the situation, asking questions to understand why certain beliefs or doubts exist. It emphasizes that accepting traumatic experiences doesn't mean hating the people involved or demonizing them, but rather acknowledging the harm caused while holding space for other truths. The episode also highlights the importance of tuning into one's body and recognizing physical manifestations of trauma as part of the acknowledgment process.
Consequences of Resisting Acknowledgment
The episode discusses the consequences of resisting the acknowledgment of trauma. It emphasizes that avoiding acknowledgment prevents healing and perpetuates unconscious consequences. Refusing to acknowledge trauma can lead to contorting beliefs and behaviors to justify or normalize experiences that were harmful. The episode encourages people to face the truth, allowing for self-reflection and growth. It reminds listeners that they have agency in deciding how they navigate and make meaning of their experiences.
Couch Talks is the special bonus episode of You Need Therapy where Kat answers questions that listener’s send to kathryn@youneedtherapypodcast.
This week a listener writes in and asks how to start to acknowledge something that was traumatic when there is a part of them that doesn’t want to admit it was harmful.