Me Versus ChatGPT

I had a thought: It takes emotional courage to begin the journey of working on your trauma with EFT.

But only to begin.

Why? Because we assume the process of healing the trauma will involve re-exposing ourselves to it. That the trauma being uninstalled from our body will be as painful as it was when the trauma was being installed. As bad going out as it was going in. Like ripping off a BandAid…only a million times worse.

No wonder it’s the LAST thing we want to do! No wonder it takes EMOTIONAL COURAGE to step into the process…

But, unlike so many other modalities, EFT is NOT a painful process. In fact, the techniques for dealing with trauma are called the Gentle Techniques - because that is exactly what they are.

So, though it might take courage to sign up for what you believe will be a necessary (but awful) experience of healing, you VERY SOON discover that it’s nothing of the sort.

In the hands of a properly trained, trauma-informed practitioner who is using Clinical EFT, the experience of healing not only brings the relief that comes with being freed at last from the residue of those bad experiences, it does it in a WAY that doesn’t require ANY COURAGE. Because it’s not painful. It’s not awful. It’s not retraumatising.

I asked ChatGPT to write this blog post and got the below result. No wonder you thought healing trauma would require emotional courage all the way through! Most of the world, basing the assumption on experiences with exposure based therapies like CBT, thinks it’s a tough process from start to finish. Some of what's below is true for EFT, like the part about patience...but lots is not.
Whose version do you prefer? :-)

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Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's life, leaving lasting scars that affect everything from their relationships to their ability to function day-to-day. While many people may understand that healing from trauma is an important step towards recovery, it can be difficult to take the first steps towards that journey. This is where emotional courage comes in, as it takes a great deal of strength and bravery to face the pain of trauma head-on and begin the process of healing.

First, let's define emotional courage. Emotional courage refers to the ability to confront and manage difficult emotions in a healthy way. It involves being willing to be vulnerable, to face the unknown, and to take risks despite the possibility of failure or rejection. Emotional courage is not about ignoring or suppressing negative emotions but rather embracing them and learning from them.

When it comes to trauma, emotional courage is essential for healing. Trauma can be deeply painful, and it's natural to want to avoid or suppress those emotions. However, avoiding the pain of trauma can lead to more significant issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. On the other hand, embracing the pain and working through it can lead to a greater sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

So, why is emotional courage necessary for healing trauma? Here are some reasons:

1. It requires vulnerability: To heal from trauma, one must be willing to be vulnerable and open up about their experiences. This vulnerability can be scary, as it means sharing painful memories and emotions with others. However, it's essential to healing as it allows individuals to process their experiences and gain new perspectives.
2. It involves facing fears: Trauma can leave individuals with a sense of helplessness and fear. Facing those fears can be daunting, but it's necessary to move past them. For example, a survivor of sexual assault may need to confront their fear of intimacy to develop healthy relationships.
3. It demands self-reflection: Healing from trauma requires introspection and self-reflection. Individuals must be willing to look inward and examine their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can be difficult as it may involve confronting parts of themselves they may not want to acknowledge.
4. It requires patience and perseverance: Healing from trauma is not a quick fix. It can take time, and setbacks are inevitable. It takes emotional courage to stick with the process and not give up when things get tough.
   

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In conclusion, healing from trauma takes emotional courage. It involves being vulnerable, facing fears, self-reflection, and perseverance. While the journey may be difficult, it's essential to confront the pain of trauma to move past it and live a fulfilling life. If you're struggling with trauma, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that healing is possible with time, effort, and emotional courage.

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