6 ways to heal trauma without medication | Bessel van der Kolk | Big Think

Connect with others.

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One of the most important things you can do to heal from trauma is to connect with others. This could mean talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or support group. Connecting with others can help you feel less alone and isolated, and it can provide you with a safe space to share your experiences and feelings.

2. Physical movement.

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Physical movement can be a powerful tool for healing trauma. Exercise can help to release pent-up emotions and energy, and it can also improve your mood and sleep quality. Yoga, tai chi, and walking are all good options for physical movement that can help you heal from trauma.

3. Practice self-care.

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Self-care is essential for healing from trauma. This means taking care of your physical and emotional needs. Make sure you are eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. You should also find time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

4. Work with your feelings.

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It is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions, even the negative ones. Trying to suppress or avoid your feelings can actually make them worse. There are many different ways to work with your feelings, such as journaling, talking to a therapist, or expressive arts therapy.

5. EMDR therapy.

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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that can be very effective for treating trauma. EMDR helps you to process and reframe traumatic memories so that they no longer have a negative impact on your life.

6. Brainspotting therapy.

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Brainspotting is a newer type of therapy that can be helpful for healing trauma. Brainspotting helps you to identify and process the physical sensations that are associated with traumatic memories.

It is important to find a trauma-informed therapist who can help you on your healing journey. A trauma-informed therapist will understand the impact of trauma and will be able to provide you with the support you need to heal.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Sources

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