How to Find Growth After Trauma: Tips and Tricks
Trauma is a difficult experience that can shatter a person’s sense of safety and security. However, it is possible to find growth and positive change after experiencing trauma. In this LinkedIn/Facebook Live replay, Sophie Brigden, a post-traumatic growth and leadership specialist, shares her insights on how to find growth after trauma. Here are some tips and tricks:
- Acceptance: Accepting the reality of the situation is the first step towards healing from trauma. Acknowledge what has happened and decide what to do next.
- Calming the central nervous system: Trauma often leads to emotional dysregulation. Techniques such as eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR) and neurofeedback can help regulate the central nervous system.
- Self-care: Yoga, meditation, affirmations, walking in nature, and journaling are great ways to care for oneself and improve emotional regulation.
- Finding meaning and purpose: Use the experience to find meaning and purpose in life. It can also help to use the experience to help others.
- Seeking support: It is possible to deal with trauma alone, but having someone to talk to who understands can be incredibly helpful. Reach out to a coach or therapist, or seek support from friends and family.
Remember, trauma is a difficult experience, but it is possible to find growth and positive change. Take care of yourself and seek support when needed.
Enjoyed this conversation? Then why not check out this LinkedIn Live replay, where we chat with Sophie about how to thrive as a woman in a masculine workplace? Watch now.
Timestamps:
What is post-traumatic growth? [00:01:01] Sophie Brigden explains what post-traumatic growth is and how it can lead to positive psychological growth after a traumatic event.
Factors contributing to post-traumatic growth [00:04:43] Sophie Brigden discusses the mix of personality traits, type of trauma, and a person’s background history that contribute to post-traumatic growth.
How to support someone who has gone through a traumatic event [00:08:57] Sophie Brigden advises on how to support someone who has gone through a traumatic event, including listening to them, accepting them, and being supportive within boundaries.
Acceptance as the first step [00:14:41] Sophie discusses the importance of accepting a traumatic event and using it as a starting point to move forward.
Supporting someone going through a tough time [00:11:56] Liz asks Sophie how to best support someone going through a tough time, and Sophie suggests being a consistent, non-judgmental presence.
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) [00:17:22] Sophie explains how EMDR, a technique involving eye movements, helped her with flashbacks and trauma processing.
Neurofeedback and Yoga [00:21:19] The speakers discuss the benefits of neurofeedback and yoga in helping with emotional regulation and calming the central nervous system after experiencing trauma.
Mindfulness and Writing [00:23:39] The speakers discuss the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and writing for helping with emotional healing and restoring balance to the brain after trauma.
Post-Traumatic Growth [00:26:20] The speakers discuss how acknowledging and working through trauma can lead to personal growth, including shifting priorities, increased empathy, and finding meaning and purpose in one’s experiences.
Compassion and Activism [00:31:49] The speakers discuss how traumatic events can make a person more compassionate towards others and how activism can help deal with systematic issues.
Accessing Services for Dealing with Trauma [00:33:16] Sophie talks about her services for coaching and consultancy for people dealing with trauma and how to access them through her website.
Importance of Talking to Someone [00:34:22] Sophie emphasises the importance of talking to someone who understands trauma and can provide support and guidance in dealing with it.
Show Links:
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