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What is "recovery"?

Writer's picture: LucyLucy

Often I hear recovery talked of as a process of getting something back or returning back to "normal"; getting well again. For me, this understanding puts us in the past and limits what we can become.


We cannot get back to the past or the person we once were. Each event changes us, in small or large ways. Once we have processed new events, we have formed new memories, new ideas, new narratives. The use of the word "recovery" after trauma doesn’t lend itself to acceptance of what has happened.


Of course, not every aspect of the person we were will have changed but, like with anything in life, events change us. They change our outlook, they change our behaviours and responses, our opinions and habits, whether minor or major.


So, what is a more helpful definition of recovery?

I like to think of recovery as a process of moving forwards, continually, towards freedom. For me, recovery means continually learning and practising mindfulness, acceptance, voicing my thoughts and feelings, and connecting with others. In recovery I am less ashamed, less isolated, less afraid, less defeated; and therefore I am more aware, accepting, peaceful and connected. It's also important to deal with mental health disorders; a qualified therapist can help you to do this.


Recovery is not a destination; it is an ongoing process of these practices.

It’s important to note as well, during recovery you can unpick narratives you held about yourself before the event(s) or assault(s) that changed you, not just ones that were learned during the event. So, recovery is not just about healing from the event, but healing from the harmful narratives you have been believing about yourself ever - since you were born! - and deciding which ones to keep and which ones to get rid of. From there, you can create new ones that inspire joy and connection.


I don't want to discount the effect that community has on recovery. There are social narratives that can be continually placed upon you, making recovery more difficult. I don't believe the responsibility of recovery should be solely on the survivor; those around the survivor can support the recovery, and together as a community we can create a safer, more uplifting environment which nurtures recovery and prevents abuse.


As a Creative Coach, I help people (in my creative group workshops and in 1to1 sessions) think about their own recovery: who they were, who they are now, what changed, what's inspiring, what's defeating, what to keep, what to create anew. I use journaling, free writing, and creative writing exercises to bring these realisations to light and affirm the new, empowering narratives.


You are very welcome to join me on this journey. (that sounds hippy af, good GOD hahahaha *cringe*). But really, you are x


Access the support services on the website.

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