Introduction

There are many misconceptions around what “self-healing” means. Some in the therapy field are defensive and threatened by the term, fearing “if everyone just heals themselves, then I don’t have a job!”

Some therapists don’t like it for more altruistic reasons: “if those who need extra support are led to believe they “should” be able to heal themselves, aren’t they more likely to feel shame and avoid professional help?”

Others realize that self-healing simply means the individual has personal autonomy and can develop more self-trust in their healing process.

Self-healing as Personal Responsibility

The fact is that each person – as an adult human – is their own ultimate authority ✴️. Each individual has personal responsibility for their growth and development, their improvement, and finally their own healing processes. 

This does NOT mean you never seek support, assistance or professional help. 

Physical Healing Analogy

I love using analogies to help improve understanding and I use them frequently in session. So, for this topic, think about the body itself. It’s actually a self-healing organism.

It has ways to repel germs and disease, it can be self-protective in how it forms defenses against illness, it has ways to detoxify itself, and it has inherent reparative properties for healing wounds. All of this, however, does not mean you just avoid medical support when needed. 

Likewise, self-healing doesn’t mean you heal in isolation. It means you get all the support you need in order to facilitate the internal process of healing and growth and ultimately you are responsible for that pathway.

Tips & Activities for Self-Healing

1. Acknowledge Your Pain: The first step towards healing is acknowledging that you have wounds that need attention. Denial only prolongs the healing process and increases suffering. Be honest with yourself about what hurts and why it hurts. Journaling can help with this insight. 
2. Seek Professional Help: Therapy and counseling can provide a safe space to explore your emotions and past experiences. Professional guidance can help you develop strategies for managing and processing your pain. It’s key to understand that having someone help you in your healing is part of “self-healing.” No one can do the work but you, and you can also have support along the way. 
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Recognize that healing is a process, not a destination, and it’s okay to have setbacks.
4. Identify Triggers: Understanding what triggers your pain or activated responses can help you manage your reactions to them.
5. Develop Healthy Coping Skills: Once you realize the triggers, work at replacing unhealthy or ineffective habits with effective ones. Any skill can be misused, so explore how you can moderately use healthy tools.
6. Set Boundaries: Protect your emotional well-being by setting boundaries, or self-respecting limits with yourself, and learn how to communicate those to others. This might mean limiting time with toxic individuals or saying no to situations that cause you too much stress.
7. Cultivate a Support System: Surround yourself with people who support your healing journey. Having friends or family members who encourage you can make a significant difference.
8. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness (self-awareness) and meditation can help you stay aware, grounded, and connected to your present self. Over time, these practices can even reduce stress and improve your overall mental wellbeing.
9. Engage in Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Self-reflective journaling can help you understand yourself better and identify areas that need attention.
10. Embrace Radical Acceptance: Radical Acceptance is not the same as forgiveness, and I find it’s more powerful. It doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior or experiences, but it can help you 1) identify healthy emotions and coping skills necessary in life, and 2) release anger and resentment. Click here for more info on Radical Acceptance.
11. Prioritize Physical Health: Your physical health is intertwined to your mental well-being. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, hydrating properly, eating a balanced diet, and staying active, and attending to any medical conditions.
12. Address Stress Levels:  Research has demonstrated that increased stress levels creates imbalances in the body, and those imbalances lead to medical conditions and disease. Focus on how to 1) reduce stress, 2) manage it differently, or 3) increase your capacity / resiliency.
13. Stay Patient and Consistent: Healing takes time and effort – in all honesty, it’s a life-long journey. Be patient & self-compassion while also staying committed to your journey, even when progress seems slow or you experience setbacks. 

By taking these steps, you can begin to heal from past wounds and develop a stronger, healthier emotional foundation of self-trust and healthy connections. 

Remember, self-healing is an ongoing process and it doesn’t mean you do it all alone. 

If you desire support with any of this, schedule a consult or reach out to me at sh*****@***********es.com. I encourage clients in all of these elements at various points and I have client openings currently. 

In Health & Wholeness ❤️

Shannan