Hi there! If you have landed here, you are likely on your own healing journey and looking for answers. Today’s blog post is diving into a topic that might seem a bit counterintuitive at first glance: the limits of logic when it comes to healing from trauma. As a therapist who has walked alongside many courageous souls on their path to healing, I've come to understand that while logic is a powerful tool in our toolkit, it’s not always the magic wand that can mend the wounds of trauma. So, grab your metaphorical cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s explore why sometimes we need more than just logical reasoning to heal.
The Logic Trap:
Picture this: you're sitting across from your therapist, pouring your heart out about a traumatic experience you've endured. Your therapist nods, listens intently, and then, in a calm and collected manner, starts dissecting your emotions with logical explanations and rationalizations. They might say something like, "Have you considered looking at it from this angle?" On the surface, it all sounds reasonable, right?
But here’s the thing: trauma doesn’t always play by the rules of logic. It’s messy, irrational, and deeply rooted in our subconscious. While it's comforting to have someone try to make sense of our pain, trauma often defies logic altogether. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – no matter how hard you try, it just won’t quite fit.
The Emotional Landscape:
Trauma resides in the deepest corners of our psyche, where emotions run wild and unchecked. It’s not something you can neatly package into a logical framework and expect to resolve with a simple equation. Healing from trauma requires us to navigate the murky waters of our emotions – the fear, the anger, the sadness – without the safety net of logic to guide us.
Think about it: when you’re in the throes of a panic attack or drowning in the depths of despair, does it really help to have someone tell you to “just think positively” or “look at the bright side”? Probably not. What you need in those moments is not logic, but empathy, validation, and a safe space to let your emotions run their course.
The Power of Connection:
One of the most profound aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship itself – the bond between therapist and client that transcends logic and taps into the realm of human connection. It’s in this sacred space of trust and understanding that true healing can occur, far beyond the confines of rational thought.
When you feel seen, heard, and accepted for who you are, wounds start to mend, and scars begin to fade. It’s not about fixing you or making you “normal” – it’s about embracing your humanity in all its messy, beautiful glory. And that’s something logic alone can never achieve.
When it comes to trauma resurfacing in our everyday life; triggered by something our partner said, seeing someone who has harmed us, having someone cross a boundary of ours, and so on - we can use logic in those moments to say to ourselves “I am safe”, “I am not in that situation anymore” - however, our body doesn’t FEEL that way, it continues to feel dysregulated, on edge and hypervigilant. Our mind says you’re okay, while our body still screams and shouts that we are not. This is where the disconnect happens with trauma - no logic can calm a trauma response.
Moving Forward:
So, where does this leave us? Does this mean we should throw logic out the window entirely and embrace chaos instead? Not quite. Logic still has its place in the healing journey, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
As a therapist, my job is not to impose my logic onto people, but rather to meet them where they are – in the messy, nonlinear space of trauma. It’s about holding space for the pain, validating their emotions, and guiding them gently through the darkness towards the light.
So, the next time you find yourself grappling with the aftermath of trauma, remember this: healing is not a linear process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s okay to feel lost, confused, and utterly illogical at times. In fact, it’s often in those moments of vulnerability that the deepest healing occurs.
As we wrap up our journey into the heart of trauma healing, I invite you to take a deep breath and honor your own unique path. Trust in the wisdom of your emotions, lean into the power of human connection, and remember that healing is not a destination, but a journey – messy, unpredictable, and oh-so-beautiful.
Until next time,
& may you find peace amidst the chaos and light in the darkness. And always remember: you are not alone.
With love and compassion,
