Hey everyone, Dr. Cristie here.

I recently went down a rabbit hole on social media, researching trauma for an episode on healing old wounds. What I found left me feeling frustrated, to say the least.

The internet is full of content about trauma healing these days, and while some of it’s well-meaning, a lot of it gets it pretty wrong.

Here’s the thing: trauma is complex. Healing from it is rarely quick or easy. But social media, with its bite-sized content and “get rich quick” mentality, tries to condense that complexity into digestible listicles and catchy dance videos.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s value in raising awareness about trauma. But the message often gets distorted.

The Trouble with Trauma on Social Media

• Trauma Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Social media loves quick fixes. But trauma comes in all shapes and sizes, and healing isn’t a linear process. There’s no magic bullet or one-size-fits-all solution.
• Not Feeling Anything Isn’t Healing: Sometimes you see this message: “Heal from trauma and live a perfectly fine life without ever feeling triggered again!” That’s not quite right. Healing involves feeling your emotions, not shutting them down.
• Trigger Overload: Social media bombards us with information, some of it triggering. This can be overwhelming for people dealing with trauma.

So, What is Trauma-Informed Therapy Really About?

Trauma-informed therapy is a whole different ball game than a quick scroll through trauma memes. Here’s what it actually looks like:

• Understanding Your Story: We don’t just focus on symptoms. We delve into your experiences to understand how they’ve shaped you.
• Building a Safe Space: Healing happens in relationships. We work to create a trusting, supportive environment where you feel safe to explore your trauma.
• It’s a Journey, Not a Destination: Healing takes time and patience. There are setbacks, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing.
• It’s About You: You’re not broken. You’re resilient, and you have the strength to heal. Our job is to guide you on your own unique healing journey.

The Takeaway

Don’t believe the hype. Don’t let the internet convince you that you’re broken or that a quick fix exists.

Healing is a complex, personal journey. But there is hope. There are amazing trauma-informed therapists out there who can help.

If you’re struggling, please reach out. You are worthy of healing, and you are not alone.

Stay curious, take care of yourselves, and remember, you are loved.