Why Healing Is Non-Linear: What Real Recovery from Trauma Looks Like
- Lethicia Foadjo
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
When it comes to trauma recovery, most people imagine a clear path: you go to therapy, you do “the work,” and eventually, you feel better—permanently. But the truth is, healing from trauma is not a straight line.
It’s a winding, often messy process—full of progress, pauses, setbacks, and breakthroughs. And that’s not failure. That’s what real healing looks like.
At LK Psychotherapy, we walk with individuals through the ups and downs of trauma recovery. In this blog, you’ll learn why healing is non-linear, what to expect in your journey, and how to stay grounded through the process.
🧠 Trauma Recovery Isn’t Linear—Here’s Why
Trauma affects more than just memory or mood—it lives in the body, the nervous system, and our relationships. Healing trauma is about rebuilding a sense of safety, not just intellectually, but physically and emotionally.
Some days you’ll feel strong and open. Other days, old fears, numbness, or triggers might come back—especially during stress or major life changes. This doesn’t mean you're "back at square one.” It means your system is still healing.
🔄 The Natural Cycle of Trauma Healing
Here’s what a non-linear healing journey might include:
🔹 Awareness
You begin to notice patterns—why certain situations trigger fear, shutdown, or anger. You start connecting past trauma with present reactions.
🔹 Stabilization
You learn grounding techniques, emotion regulation, and self-soothing. You may begin therapy or build support systems.
🔹 Processing
You gently begin working through painful memories, beliefs, and emotions. This may bring relief—but also discomfort, as old wounds surface.
🔹 Integration
You create new narratives and embodied experiences of safety. Relationships improve. Confidence grows.
🔁 Re-activation
A situation (e.g., loss, conflict, illness) triggers familiar pain. You feel like you’ve “gone backwards.”
But here’s the truth: Every time you revisit a painful layer, you do so with more tools, more awareness, and more capacity. That is progress.
📉 Setbacks Don’t Erase Your Healing
If you’re feeling discouraged because old symptoms are resurfacing, remind yourself:
Regression is part of growth. It’s your nervous system saying: This still needs tending.
You're responding differently now. Maybe you’re not spiraling like before. Maybe you're reaching out for help faster.
Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience.
✨ 5 Truths to Remember on the Hard Days
Your progress is valid, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s.
You’re allowed to rest. Healing happens in stillness, too.
Feeling worse for a while doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working. It often means it is.
You’re not broken—you’re rewiring. Slowly, intentionally.
Support is a strength, not a weakness. You don’t have to do it alone.
💬 What Clients Often Say (And What I Say Back)
“Why am I still struggling with this? I thought I was over it.”🌱 Because trauma healing works in layers. You're moving deeper, not backwards.
“I feel like I should be stronger by now.”🌱 You are strong. Strength isn’t about never breaking—it’s about learning how to repair.
“I’m tired of always working on myself.”🌱 That’s fair. Take breaks. Laugh. Play. Healing includes joy.
🧰 How LK Psychotherapy Can Support You
We specialize in trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy for individuals navigating recovery from:
Childhood trauma or neglect
Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
Relationship or attachment wounds
Racial, cultural, or generational trauma
Medical or birth trauma
Vicarious or caregiver trauma
Our therapists create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can heal at your own pace.
📌 Resources for Your Journey
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors by Janina Fisher
Somatic Experiencing (nervous system regulation therapy)
💬 Final Words
Healing is not a destination—it’s a journey home to yourself.Some days you’ll sprint. Other days you’ll crawl. Some days, you’ll just breathe.
And every part of that journey is worthy of compassion.
🤝 Need Support on Your Healing Journey?
Book a free 30-minute consultation or explore our trauma-informed therapy services:
📍 Serving Belleville, Ontario + Virtual Clients Across Ontario & Alberta
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