A Healing Process

Some time has been spent discussing with staff and clients on how we perceive the healing stages of trauma recovery. We came up with a simple idea that may be helpful to those of you in one of these stages of recovery. May you be encouraged to believe that recovery is possible - even though it may take time!

This model is not comprehensive, but we hope it is helpful.

Victim -> Survivor -> Adaptor -> Thriver -> Overcomer

Victim - a person 'stuck' in the traumatic experience. He/she may be emotionally, physically and mentally re-living, or denying that the trauma is overshadowing their life. A person can be a victim for many years. Victims often look for a quick-fix.

Survivor - a person who recognises that their traumatic experience has deeply affected their life. Often at this stage, a person will commence therapy, recognise their pain, the effects of trauma, process through over time, and find hope for a better life. This stage can take years. Survivors realise they aren't alone.

Adaptor - a person who finds inner power, has a support network, who makes choices and acts upon them to positively change their life and circumstance. Will not play the 'victim' game. An adaptor will learn to speak up and 'feel' over time.

Thriver - a person who is assuming personal responsibility, has inner strength, creates honest, positive, trusting, nurturing, healthy relationships and chooses to not live in vindictive resentment.

Overcomer - a person who no longer dreads the negative shadow of their traumatic experience. One who is at peace with self and others, lives honestly and is free to talk, trust and feel.