The process of emotional healing: Six steps along your journey

Emotional healing is the process of addressing and resolving feelings of hurt, pain, or trauma that have been suppressed or ignored. It is a journey that allows us to let go of the past and move forward with our lives. It is an essential part of self-care and can help us to feel more peaceful, whole, and connected.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to emotional healing. However, there are some general steps that can be helpful in moving through the process.

Understand your emotions and why you feel them

When it comes to our emotions, most of us go through life on autopilot. We cry when we're sad, get angry when we're frustrated, and feel anxious when we're stressed. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you feel the way you do? If you take the time to understand your emotions, you can start to work through some of the issues that may be causing them.

For example, depression is often caused by unresolved trauma. If you can identify the source of your depression and work through it, you may be able to start feeling better. Somatic psychology is another approach that can help you understand your emotions. This type of therapy focuses on the mind-body connection and can be helpful in treating a variety of mental health conditions.

If you're not sure where to start, talking to a therapist can be a good way to get started on understanding your emotions. They can help you identify any underlying issues that may be causing your emotional distress. Once you understand why you feel the way you do, you can start taking steps to work through your emotions and improve your wellbeing.

Acknowledge your emotions and give them a name

It's common advice to "just let it out" when you're feeling emotional. But sometimes, pent-up feelings can feel like they're taking on a life of their own. If you're struggling to keep your emotions in check, it might help to acknowledge them and give them a name. By doing so, you can take back some control and start to understand what might be triggering your reactions. For example, if you're feeling overwhelmed, try saying to yourself, "I'm feeling overwhelmed by this situation." Once you've identified the emotion, you can start to explore why you're feeling that way and what you can do about it. In the meantime, remember that it's okay to feel emotions – after all, they're part of what makes us human.

Talk about your emotions with someone you trust

We all have emotions, and sometimes they can be overwhelming. It's important to talk about your emotions with someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who will listen and understand. Bottling up your emotions can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, so it's important to let them out in a healthy way. When you talk about your emotions, you're able to process them and understand them better. You might also find that other people have experienced similar things, which can help you feel less alone. So next time you're feeling down, frustrated, or angry, reach out to someone you trust and let it all out. It'll make you feel better in the long run.

Express your emotions through artwork or writing

It's often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. And as any artist will tell you, there's a lot of truth to that statement. Art can be used to express all sorts of emotions, from happiness and hope to sorrow and anger. In fact, some people find it easier to express their feelings through art than through words. And there's no shortage of ways to create art, whether it's painting, drawing, sculpting, or writing. So, if you're feeling angry, sad, or happy, why not try expressing yourself through artwork or writing? It may just be the best way to get your feelings out.

Engage in a movement practice, like authentic movement or ecstatic dance, to release pent-up energy and stress

We all know the feeling of being coiled up like a spring, ready to burst with energy and tension. When we get to this point, it's important to release that energy in a constructive way, or it can start to manifest in destructive behaviors or even chronic pain. One great outlet for releasing pent-up energy is a movement practice like authentic movement or ecstatic dance. In these practices, we allow our bodies to move freely, without constraint or judgment. We allow ourselves to be guided by our instinctual impulses, and in doing so, we often access a deeper level of creativity and self-expression. As we let go of our inhibitions and give ourselves over to the moment, we can also let go of the stress and tension that have been weighing us down. In authentic movement and ecstatic dance, we can find the freedom to just be - and in that freedom, we can find relief from the pressures of everyday life.

Tune into the wisdom of your body and the hidden messages that live within

Most of us go about our lives without giving much thought to the hidden messages that our bodies are trying to send us. We push through fatigue, ignore aches and pains, and power through hunger. But what if we took a moment to listen to the wisdom of our bodies? After all, our bodies are constantly giving us clues about our overall health and well-being. For example, fatigue can be a sign that we need more sleep, while hunger can be a sign that we need to eat more nutritious food. By paying attention to these hidden messages, we can make small changes that can have a big impact on our overall health. So next time your body is trying to tell you something, take a moment to listen. It just might be the best decision you ever make.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Our six-step guide to getting in touch with your emotions and healing trauma. Of course, this is just a starting point – there are many other ways to explore and work with your emotions. If you’re interested in learning more, we offer a Somatic Approaches to Healing Trauma course that can help you dive deeper into the world of emotional exploration and healing. We hope you’ll join us!

Image credit: BlueWillow