This was such an important read. You captured something I see often in my clinical work: sometimes people use trauma language and therapy concepts in ways that keep them safe but also keep them stuck. Insight can feel like progress, even when nothing is changing in real life.
What your piece names well is that understanding our story is only the first step. At some point the work becomes choosing connection, discomfort, responsibility, and honesty, even when it feels unfamiliar or risky. That part is hard for everyone.
I also see that many people swing too far at first because it’s the only time they’ve ever had words for what happened to them. The pendulum often has to move before it settles. But yes, some stay in the story because it feels easier than stepping into something new.
I’m actually publishing something soon about diagnosing and how parts of the mental health system unintentionally reinforce narratives that keep people stuck. Your piece connects to that in a meaningful way.
Thank you for naming this with clarity. It’s a conversation the field really needs.
This is a phenomenal article, Mike. Thank you for speaking the truth in love! Your point is clear and actionable, not punitive and shaming.
thanks mary! appreciate your kind words and hope they are helpful to everyone. ✌🏻
TRUTH! Powerful. Thanks for getting this out in the world.
thanks tonya! ✌🏻
Thank you for saying the silent part out loud!
more than happy to do that. 😀✌🏻
Love this!
🙌🏻
would love your thoughts on some of my stuff. follow me back, I can DM you?
Thank you so much. Great perspective in something many of us fall into!
thanks ann! ✌🏻
This was such an important read. You captured something I see often in my clinical work: sometimes people use trauma language and therapy concepts in ways that keep them safe but also keep them stuck. Insight can feel like progress, even when nothing is changing in real life.
What your piece names well is that understanding our story is only the first step. At some point the work becomes choosing connection, discomfort, responsibility, and honesty, even when it feels unfamiliar or risky. That part is hard for everyone.
I also see that many people swing too far at first because it’s the only time they’ve ever had words for what happened to them. The pendulum often has to move before it settles. But yes, some stay in the story because it feels easier than stepping into something new.
I’m actually publishing something soon about diagnosing and how parts of the mental health system unintentionally reinforce narratives that keep people stuck. Your piece connects to that in a meaningful way.
Thank you for naming this with clarity. It’s a conversation the field really needs.