Quote The conflict between the will to deny horrible...

“The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is the central dialectic of psychological trauma.” - Judith Lewis Herman

Decryption of quote

The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is a profound struggle that lies at the heart of psychological trauma. When faced with a traumatic experience, our natural instinct may be to bury it deep within ourselves, to deny its existence and pretend that it never happened. This denial can serve as a defense mechanism, a way to protect ourselves from the overwhelming pain and distress that comes with acknowledging the truth.

However, the will to proclaim these events aloud is equally powerful. It is the voice within us that demands to be heard, that refuses to be silenced by fear or shame. This voice seeks validation and recognition, a way to make sense of the senseless and find healing in the midst of chaos.

Thus, the central dialectic of psychological trauma is born - the constant tug-of-war between these two opposing forces. It is a battle between suppression and expression, between darkness and light, between the past that haunts us and the future that beckons us forward.

For those who have experienced trauma, this conflict can be all-consuming. It can feel like a never-ending struggle, a relentless war waged within the depths of our own minds. But it is also a necessary part of the healing process, a journey towards acceptance and ultimately, towards peace.

By acknowledging the truth of our experiences, by proclaiming them aloud and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, we take the first step towards healing. We give ourselves permission to feel, to grieve, to rage, and to ultimately let go of the pain that has held us captive for so long.

It is through this process of confronting our trauma that we can begin to reclaim our power, our agency, and our sense of self. We can transform our pain into strength, our wounds into wisdom, and our suffering into resilience.

So, let us not shy away from the darkness within us. Let us not be afraid to speak our truth, to share our stories, and to proclaim aloud the horrors that we have endured. For it is in facing our demons that we can truly set ourselves free.




denial truth

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