Why Trauma Beliefs Are So Hard to Change
youtu.be
The content segments discuss the difficulty of changing trauma beliefs and the factors that contribute to this challenge. Trauma beliefs are formed as a result of traumatic experiences, which make us feel unsafe and powerless. These beliefs help us predict and prevent future unsafe situations. The emotional power of trauma experiences, along with unresolved anger, guilt, and shame, make it harder to let go of trauma beliefs. Grief is another emotion associated with trauma, and it can involve denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Trauma can cause a cascade of losses in our lives, and until we address and feel safe in each area of loss, our brain will hold onto the trauma memory to keep us safe. Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias and overgeneralization, further reinforce trauma beliefs. These biases hinder our ability to consider alternate perspectives and focus on traumatic events while ignoring non-traumatic events.
Changing trauma beliefs may threaten our perceived safety and stability, and cognitive biases can contribute to the difficulty of changing these beliefs. Surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals, challenging our beliefs in a safe and empowered manner, and recognizing exceptions to these beliefs are important steps in changing trauma beliefs. It is crucial to understand that trauma does not reflect our worthiness or lovability as individuals. Letting go of trauma beliefs disrupts our understanding of ourselves and others, but reframing these beliefs and focusing on behaviors rather than labeling ourselves as bad people can aid in the process of changing these beliefs. Feeling safe and empowered, evaluating the accuracy of these beliefs in the current context, and celebrating small progress are also important in the journey of changing trauma beliefs.
The content segments discuss the difficulty of changing trauma beliefs and the factors that contribu