The New Year’s resolutions tradition is a long-standing practice in our society. It allows us to reflect and set goals as we start a new calendar year. For many, it brings hope and the opportunity for positive change and personal growth. However, for those who have been through difficult experiences, setting resolutions can be a different experience altogether.
When you’ve been through trauma, self-improvement goals can often feel overwhelming, even unachievable. This is where trauma-informed therapy in Roswell, GA, could make a big difference. By learning about and using trauma-informed approaches when making resolutions, we can make sure that these goals are not only doable but also help with healing.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma is when an upsetting thing happens to someone and can make them feel like they have no control. It can be physical, emotional, or in the mind, and can come from bad things like abuse or violence. Trauma can also happen due to a single event, like an accident or natural disaster, or it can occur over time, such as ongoing interpersonal abuse.
When you go through trauma, your body and mind react in different ways. It can be overwhelming, causing anxiety or even numbness. Your behavior and relationships with others may also be affected. Sometimes, these effects can persist for a long time and interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to achieve your personal goals.
How Can Trauma Hinder Progress with Traditional Resolutions?
Trauma can really make it challenging to keep up with conventional New Year’s resolutions. For example, if someone has gone through abuse or violence, they may struggle with self-esteem and self-worth. This can lead them to set unrealistic goals, pushing themselves too hard to achieve something that may not be attainable in the short term.
Moreover, trauma can make it difficult for individuals to trust themselves and others, making it hard to maintain consistency and accountability with their resolutions. For example, someone may have experienced betrayal in the past. This can lead them to doubt themselves or their support systems. This doubt may then translate to self-sabotage or giving up on their goals altogether.
The Limitations of Traditional New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions, although a nice tradition, often don’t work well for trauma survivors. Only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions for a month, according to Forbes. There are a few reasons for this—resolutions can be too strict, goals too hard to reach, and not considering personal situations. Many times, these goals are based on the idea of always being perfect. But life doesn’t work that way.
We all have ups and downs, and things that come up unexpectedly. Plus, these goals are usually seen as black and white. Either you do it all or you don’t. If you mess up once, it’s easy to give up completely. That’s why a lot of people can’t keep up with these goals for long. For people who have experienced trauma, it can be really harmful when resolutions are made without considering their trauma experiences. Conventional resolutions often don’t understand how trauma can affect setting and achieving goals. This can lead to resolutions that don’t match the reality of surviving and healing from trauma, which can cause setbacks and letdowns.
The Trauma-Informed Approach to Resolutions 
The trauma-informed approach is not just a method. It’s a caring and understanding way to think about and deal with the effects of trauma. At its core, it focuses on keeping everyone safe physically, mentally, and emotionally. It also gives opportunities to regain control and feel empowered. For example, a trauma therapist in Roswell, GA, may use this approach to help their clients set resolutions that are tailored to their unique experiences and needs.
In the trauma-informed approach, the focus is on being kind to yourself and taking care of your own needs. By doing this, you can manage your thoughts and feelings better, improving your overall well-being. It’s important to set goals that are easy and forgiving so that you can change them if you need to. It’s important to acknowledge that life has its ups and downs. It’s absolutely fine to adjust your goals along the way, but prioritizing self-care is crucial. Both your physical and mental health. This could mean taking a few minutes each day to focus on deep breathing, nourishing your body with healthy food, or staying active. Remember, self-care is not selfish. It’s a necessary step towards feeling your best.
Acknowledge the Interconnectedness of Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health
When you set goals, it’s important to understand how your mental, emotional, and physical health are interconnected. Using a trauma-informed approach means recognizing that trauma can impact all aspects of your well-being, so your goals should be holistic.
For instance, if you want to improve your physical health, don’t forget about your mental and emotional well-being. Feeling anxious or stressed can make it challenging to stick to a workout routine. That’s why part of your goal should include finding ways to reduce stress, such as through meditation or therapy.
How to Set Holistic Resolutions
Setting holistic resolutions involves reflecting on your past experiences, and understanding your current mental, emotional, and physical state. Then you can begin imagining your future self. This process is not about perfection but about growth, self-discovery, and self-compassion. You might find it beneficial to begin by asking yourself several introspective questions.
These can be questions, such as: What were my triumphs and challenges in the past year? How have my past traumas influenced my present? In what areas of my life do I wish to grow or change? What do I need to feel safe, happy, and fulfilled? When setting your resolutions, it’s important to consider what may trigger you or potentially retraumatize you. This could be certain words, phrases, or actions that remind you of your trauma. It’s crucial to address these triggers and create a plan for managing them while working towards your goals.
Gaining a Trauma-Informed Approach with Professional Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to set healthy and realistic resolutions, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking professional help from a trauma therapist in Roswell, GA can provide valuable support and guidance. They can help you process your trauma, and understand how it may be impacting your life. Then they will work with you to create holistic resolutions that prioritize your well-being.
Taking care of yourself and healing is an ongoing process. It’s important to ask for help when you need it. By using a trauma-informed approach to solve problems, you can actively work towards a better future. Don’t be afraid to ask for support and start your journey of personal growth and self-discovery today.
Ready to Make Trauma-Informed Resolutions With Trauma Therapy in Roswell, GA?
If you’re ready to make resolutions that align with your personal experiences and promote holistic well-being, consider seeking trauma therapy in Roswell, GA. Together with a trauma-informed therapist, you can create meaningful goals that prioritize self-care and healing. At Wellview Counseling, our therapists are trained in providing trauma therapy and supporting clients through their healing journey. We believe that every individual deserves to feel safe, empowered, and fulfilled. If you’re ready to begin:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with Our Therapists
- Set Resolutions that Take Your Trauma into Account!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Our therapists at Wellview Counseling understand that you may be facing challenges that can make setting resolutions feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a variety of therapy services to support your mental health and well-being. Our therapists are trained in various modalities, allowing us to provide personalized and effective treatment for a variety of concerns. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, and more. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. Don’t let trauma or any other challenges hold you back from living a fulfilling life.
About the Author
Introducing Ashley Bobo, MSW, LCSW, with over 20 years of experience in providing support and guidance to individuals who have experienced trauma. Ashley has created a safe space where individuals can find the support they need to navigate the challenges of setting resolutions. She understands that trauma can impact one’s ability to set goals and move forward. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, Ashley will work with you to help you heal, grow, and thrive. While Ashley does not provide EMDR, we have therapists on our team who are trained in this effective therapeutic approach. Ashley and her team at Wellview Counseling are here to support you on your journey toward a healthier state of mind. Discover how Wellview Counseling can make a difference in your life. Visit us at wellviewcounseling.com.