The way people think about recovery from abuse tends to depend largely on what they understand to be the problem. Here are just a few of the kinds of emphases you will find:
| If the problem is this: | then the solution will probably emphasize this: |
|---|---|
| traumatic or intrusive memories | “healing of memories” |
| unexperienced experiences | “retrieving” or “reliving” trauma experiences |
| trauma identity | finding new identity, new narratives |
| internal splitting | reconnection/integration |
| resentment | forgiveness |
| developmental delays | re-parenting |
| boundary violations | developing healthy boundaries |
| cognitive distortions | identifying core lies |
| relational dysfunction | growing healthier relationships |
Of course the “problem” caused by abuse may involve all of the above. So the recovery journey may be complicated and not fit well into any one model. Models are always oversimplifications. Models are intentional oversimplifications whose simplicity can help clarify part of the big picture. Models can be helpful even when there really are no ‘one size fits all’ recovery journey as long as we keep in mind that all models need adaptation to specific situations.
Before looking closely at the usefulness and limitations of several of models for recovery, is will be helpful to take a look at some of the core issues which will be part of any recovery process.
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I appreciate this being here. I’ve accessed it for self-help and to be better equipped to assist friends and other loved ones.
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