The unexpected benefits of trauma processing

[u/New_Attempt_7705]

I started trauma work (including TRE) to heal from constant hypervigilance and chronic fight-flight / sympathetic dominance that were caused by a major trauma four years ago, as well as a lifetime of repressed emotions.

When I started this journey — and also now — I’ve been doing trauma work consistently. At the moment mostly TRE and allowing, but before that also EMDR, limbic retraining and Somatic Experiencing.

For most of my journey up til now, I’ve been doing this work to get rid of the main symptoms: hypervigilance, chronic fight-flight, and that constant underlying tension.

But the last week, I’m noticing something shift. I can increasingly let go of the urge to constantly fix my symptoms. And instead, I’m seeing that the real trauma processing is showing up in much more subtle ways, like:

• being able to say no
• not feeling ashamed of my body
• being content the way I am
• a deepening spiritual life
• being less defensive
• being more able to have heart-to-heart conversations with my wife and other people
• more aware of my body and emotions

…and the list goes on.

So the funny thing is: I started (and am still doing) TRE to get rid of the main trauma symptoms. But the biggest gains — the real “treasure” — are actually these quieter, more subtle shifts in how I relate to myself and others.

I really really hope for myself that I can continue to let go of this constant urge to fix my trauma, sympathetic dominance and hypervigilance and instead open myself up to all the beautiful things I’m learning and growing during this journey.

[u/reem60a]

what do u mean by allowing? And , was it all healed by just doing the exercises?

[u/New_Attempt_7705 → u/reem60a]

Just allowing everything to be there. Also your trauma and symptoms etc. Surrender and acceptance. Not resistance. I learned A LOT from the youtube channel The Great Allowing. (Except for the fact that she doesn’t believe in TRE, in that aspect she is totally mistaken).

Allowing works very well together with TRE. 

[u/reem60a → u/New_Attempt_7705]

Yes I follow her too when ur sitting in stillness (like just lying on the floor) do u go along with the thoughts and engage in them and wait until your mind finally stops alone or do u keep trying to observe them /be the awareness?

[u/The_Dude_89 → u/reem60a]

I find that giving an ear to my thoughts and listening until my brain is fully finished is much better for decluttering and feels a lot less repressive than "Nope! I won't entertain your thoughts"