Self-Forgiveness in Overcoming Trauma

Forgive Yourself

"We weren't created to live in the shame and guilt of traumatic experiences. Self-forgiveness allows us to move forward with greater compassion, resilience and peace."

In this episode, I dive deep into the crucial role of self-forgiveness in trauma recovery. I explore how trauma changes us and the importance of internal healing alongside external support. Drawing from recent studies, I discuss the widespread impact of collective trauma, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises.

I break down the concept of self-forgiveness, emphasizing that it's not about excusing bad behavior but about personal accountability and growth. I share insights from psychological research on the benefits of self-forgiveness, including reduced anxiety, depression, and health issues.

To help listeners on their healing journey, I outline five steps for practicing self-forgiveness:

1. Recognizing what happened and its effects
2. Understanding your feelings
3. Practicing self-empathy
4. Making reparations where possible
5. Letting go

I also provide practical techniques to support this process, such as mindfulness, meditation, journaling, therapy, self-compassion exercises, and positive affirmations. Throughout the episode, I stress that self-forgiveness is an ongoing practice, not a one-time event, and encourage listeners to be patient and compassionate with themselves as they navigate this journey.