Post-Traumatic Growth Evidence.
You can call it a comeback. You can say you survived.
Those things are very good. They are a testament to your strength and commitment to overcoming the past. Trauma knocked you down but you’re up and the bruises are healing.
Still, you may sense something more is going on inside you. You may feel that something more than just "bouncing back" is occurring.
Your trauma now allows you to see life differently and bounce beyond the old you. You’ve grown and changed for the better. You are starting to realize that, along with the pain and distress, came something life-changing and new.
In the world of psychology, we call that shift Post-traumatic Growth.
The Nature of Post-Traumatic Growth:
PTG is both the positive, adaptive outcome of your terrible experience and the process of personal change.
Your ability to find benefits despite your challenges is what the pioneers of PTG research, psychologists Richard G. Tedeschi and Lawrence G. Calhoun, call “thriving.“ In short, you now retain a quality of life that surpasses mere survival or even resilience.
Their research regarding this deeply personal and meaningful type of growth arose from the frequently reported “renewed appreciation or life” that large numbers of trauma survivors express.
Is that how you feel? Do you know that this shift toward thriving has taken place inside you? What does that look like? How do you relay that to the world?
When inner transformation occurs, it's natural to reflect on it and want to know the hows and whys of what happened.
So, let's look at the factors that research indicates are evidence of growth following traumatic experiences:
Post-Traumatic Growth Evidence:
Transformation and Thriving in Five Key Areas
Drs. Tedeschi and Calhoun determined that post-traumatic growth is revealed in five key areas: personal strength, deeper relationships with others, new life possibilities, appreciation of life, and spirituality. Growth in any one area is considered post-traumatic growth.
1. Personal Strength
You may now have the sense that you are stronger and able to "dig deep" to cope with whatever comes your way. You sense that you can face realities of life without secrets, avoidance, or harmful coping mechanisms. Uncomfortable emotions are now met with a strong motivation to accept them, recover, and move forward productively.
2. Deeper Relationships
You may find that you are unwilling to take the people in your life for granted. Social support and connections are much more meaningful and enjoyable. You may also find that compassion and generosity are blooming in your life and interactions. You have a clear recognition that your family, friends, community, and even the world, hold much promise, hope, and healing.
3. New Possibilities
After trauma, you may experience a significant shift in your overall perspective. Where you find meaning and value may have changed. Old ideas and concerns fade away. In addition, your willingness to reflect, open your mind and become more present may increase. In short, your priorities shift, as well as where you choose to invest your time and energy.
4. Appreciation of Life
Trauma often makes us face the certainty of death. Post-traumatic growth is revealed in that facing our mortality fosters a deep appreciation of life and its potential. You are cognizant of not taking much for granted. You may also see life as precious and worthy of more time spent enjoying and making the most of it.
5. Spiritual Change
Often, trauma survivors experience a spiritual shift as well. The same brush with your mortality that can foster an appreciation of life may compel you to find spiritual meaning in the trauma. How you see things from this perspective is personal and powerful, often having a profound impact on the way you relate to the world.
Essentially, post-traumatic growth evidence comes down to this:
If your view of yourself, your relationships, and your life philosophy are positively stirred up and transformed by trauma, growth is likely happening. Your new insights and confident outlook are clear evidence of your evolution.
The lessons you’ve learned and incorporate daily indicate that your trauma became a multi-faceted catalyst. You feel empowered and more purposed.
That being said, post-traumatic growth is not an easy or linear process. Trauma hurts regardless. You still need tools, support, and guidance to ensure the benefits you've uncovered became a lasting breakthrough.
Let Your Therapist Help You
Selecting a safe, experienced, compassionate therapist is important now. Post-traumatic growth reveals how trying times can strengthen you. It can create meaning, opportunity, and kinship in places you least expected to find it. Choose someone committed to your healing and thriving.
Post-traumatic growth evidence is found in the way you live your life. Reach out to a therapist who can help you make the most of your journey.
If you would like some extra support and are looking for a psychotherapist, please contact us for a free consultation to learn about how we can be of service.
To find out more about our services click here: PTSD Treatment. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
For your other needs, you can count on April Lyons Psychotherapy Group, to help you heal and grow through EMDR therapy, somatic therapy, and trauma therapy – because we believe in your strength and potential for recovery.
