Back to Temporal States

Trauma Processing Journey

5 steps•cyclical pattern

The complex, non-linear path of healing from traumatic experiences.

Emotional Sequence

1

survival mode

backgroundpersisting
Ongoing until safety
Transitions to:
stabilization
Triggered by:
Safety establishmentSupport availability
2

stabilization

processingtransforming
Months
Transitions to:
processing phase
Triggered by:
Resource buildingReadiness
3

processing phase

processingcycling
Months to years
Transitions to:
integration phase
Triggered by:
Therapeutic workTimeSupport
4

integration phase

resolvingtransforming
Ongoing
Transitions to:
post traumatic growth
Triggered by:
Meaning-makingIdentity reconstruction
5

post traumatic growth

resolvedresolving
Lifelong

Common Triggers for This Journey

trauma reactivationsafety establishment

Journey Resolution

Integration of trauma with potential for growth

Real-World Examples

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PTSD treatment journey

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Childhood trauma healing

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Accident/assault recovery