Dr. Mark McNear, licensed clinical social worker and author of Finding My Words, shares his personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and finding his words. Topics include his experience in rehab, resurfacing of traumatic memories, the messy journey of healing, the difference between PTSD and complex trauma, and embracing a spiritual journey after trauma.
Finding one's words and expressing traumatic experiences can be a significant challenge in the healing process.
Seeking professional help and going to rehab can be transformative in the journey of healing from trauma and addiction.
Deep dives
The book explores the journey of finding one's words after trauma
In this podcast episode, Dr. Mark M. McNair discusses his book 'Finding My Words: A Ruthless Commitment to Healing Gently After Trauma' and the significance of the title. He explains that the book delves into his personal journey of healing from trauma and the challenges he faced in articulating his experiences. Dr. McNair emphasizes the importance of finding one's words and the struggle many individuals have in expressing their traumatic experiences. The book aims to provide hope and healing for those who have experienced trauma and offers insights into his own healing process.
The significance of seeking help and going to rehab
Dr. McNair shares his personal experience of seeking help and deciding to go to rehab for addiction. He discusses the initial resistance he felt towards the suggestion and the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of this step towards his own healing. He highlights the support he received from his wife and daughter, as well as the difficult process of confronting the damage he had caused in his relationships. The story emphasizes the significance of seeking professional help and the transformative effects of rehab in his journey.
The impact of trauma memories resurfacing during rehab
During his rehab journey, Dr. McNair explains how the memories of his traumatic experiences began resurfacing as the medications left his system. He vividly describes the overwhelming flood of memories and the tension between wanting to repress them and the therapeutic encouragement to share his story. He expresses the difficulty in finding the words to articulate his abuse and the emotional dysregulation that accompanied these memories. Dr. McNair portrays the intense journey of processing and unpacking long-repressed trauma memories while highlighting the importance of storytelling in the healing process.
The ongoing journey of healing and self-care
Dr. McNair emphasizes that healing from complex trauma is an ongoing process. He discusses the importance of self-soothing techniques, therapy, and tools to regulate emotions and foster a sense of safety. Dr. McNair shares his personal practices of self-care, such as taking hot baths, engaging in meditative activities, and walking. He acknowledges the challenges that still arise, including anxiety, depression, and flashbacks, while affirming the progress he has made and the healing that continues to unfold in his life.
Trigger warning: Childhood sexual abuse. On today's episode I am joined with Dr. Mark McNear, a licensed clinical social worker, and author of the book Finding My words, A Ruthless Commitment To Healing Gently After Trauma. Mark shares his personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and finding his words.To learn more or to purchase Dr. Marks book, head to the link below:Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Wor... Mark's website:https://markmcnear.comThis episode was sponsored by Mark M.McNear LCSW.https://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com
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