Many trauma survivors find it easy to be compassionate toward others, but when it comes to offering themselves that same level of compassion, they struggle. They learn to tolerate hurt, disappointment, and even rejection in their relationships with the people they care about. Yet, they lack the ability to accept themselves unconditionally.
Mindfulness plays an important role in treating and healing trauma. Here, we’ll talk about why.
Mindfulness and Trauma
In her book, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, Janina Fisher says, “To observe and identify the signs indicating parts activity requires a witnessing mind capable of focused concentration or ‘directed mindfulness.’”
Practicing mindfulness counteracts the trauma response and gives victims the freedom to develop a curious attitude toward the Parts. It regulates the nervous system and allows for dual awareness, which is the ability to be present in the moment while exploring the past.
For example, mindfulness allows a woman who was sexually abused as a child to revisit the feelings the child experienced without taking ownership of those feelings. It ignites curiosity and a yearning to understand instead.
Implementing Mindfulness in Trauma Therapy
The Internal Family Systems model of trauma therapy identifies 8 “C” qualities that everyone can access, regardless of how traumatized they are. Those qualities are:
- Curiosity
- Compassion
- Calm
- Clarity
- Creativity
- Courage
- Confidence
- Connectedness
It can take time and practice to successfully all of the qualities on this list, and it’s usually best to start with just one. For example, a trauma survivor may be able to get clarity on the details of a traumatic event using mindfulness tactics, but it may take time to feel compassionate.
Mindfulness allows trauma victims to listen to what their Parts are saying to them. With continued practice, they can eventually implement more of the “C” qualities, which moves them through the healing process.
The Therapist’s Role
The therapist can provide guidance to trauma victims as they implement mindfulness. The victim needs a lot of support at this stage of the healing process and the right questions can help them stay on track.
These types of questions are very helpful:
- Do you notice what is happening?
- Does it appear that a scared Part is speaking?
- What is the scared Part scared about?
- What are the different Parts saying about their experiences?
Staying focused is a critical part of mindfulness. But it’s also important for the therapist to realize when concentrating on a “C” quality is too much for the victim. If that happens, the therapist can offer a suggestion to switch to another quality.
Practicing mindfulness offers hope to trauma victims who otherwise might remain stuck in behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that make it difficult to cope day-to-day. Working with a therapist who understands the Internal Family Systems model of therapy is so important for healing to take place.
Trauma Therapy Can Help
If you are struggling due to a traumatic event and you have tried other types of therapy, it may be time for a new approach. I have successfully helped many people work through the healing process. Please contact me today for an appointment.
