Differentiate between manageable 'gremlins' and enduring 'goblins' traumatic beliefs for effective coping strategies.
Accepting some deep-rooted early traumas may be unhealable and focusing on coping strategies is crucial.
Deep dives
Impact of Childhood Trauma on Brain Development
Childhood traumas, whether seemingly minor like favorite toys being stolen or severe like child abuse, can significantly impact brain development. These traumatic events influence how circuits in the brain develop and can shape perceptions about safety and self-worth. Children's interpretations of experiences differ due to individual emotional memories, which begin forming even before birth. While some children quickly overcome traumas, others may struggle throughout life, indicating the complex and varied effects of early traumas on brain circuits.
Differentiating between Gremlins and Goblins
The podcast introduces the concept of 'gremlins' as beliefs or experiences that can be processed and minimized, while 'goblins' represent deeply entrenched damaging beliefs that are harder to eliminate. Individuals may carry goblins from traumatic experiences, leading to challenges like persistent low self-esteem. Understanding the distinction between gremlins and goblins allows for a more realistic approach to managing beliefs and emotions, emphasizing acceptance and constructive coping strategies.
Acceptance and Management of Irreparable Traumas
Recognizing that some traumas, especially deep-rooted early ones, may remain despite extensive therapy, the podcast highlights the importance of acceptance and management. Attempting to eradicate certain deeply ingrained traumas may not always be feasible, and therapists and individuals are advised to focus on coping strategies and emotional management instead. Time plays a crucial role in the brain's attempts to heal emotional scars, with varying timelines for grieving and processing traumas, requiring personalized approaches to therapy and support.
In this moment, the psychiatrist and author of ‘The Chimp Paradox’, Professor Steve Peters, discusses how there are some early childhood traumas that simply can’t be erased. It is a commonly held belief that with enough therapy and time all traumas can be eventually be eradicated. However Professor Peters believes that it is critical we divide traumas between those you can tackle and others that you have to learn to live and deal with. If we don’t accept that there are some problems that can’t be solved it can actually cause more distress, not only to the people suffering the trauma but even to their therapists and partners. Listen to the full episode here - https://g2ul0.app.link/xOA3BtDJ2Ab Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Professor Steven: https://chimpmanagement.com/professor-steve-peters/