Handling trauma as a highly sensitive person: the secret is tiny steps.
Hello lovely. This article proposes a gentle path to healing trauma for highly sensitive souls, using your neurospectacular superpowers to transform through tiny, brave steps.
Table of Contents
Seeking spiritual fireworks
As someone who's walked alongside many trauma survivors with high sensitivity on their healing journeys, I've noticed a pattern that’s worth talking about: the myth of the big breakthrough.
I was addicted to therapy and process work for years because I believed in that myth. I desperately wanted that one spectacular display of spiritual fireworks that would “fix” everything and set my life on a completely different track.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love a good fireworks display and I can absolutely identify critical moments in my life that were major turning points. But here's the thing – huge breakthroughs are not the whole story. Not by a long shot.
We hear a lot about big breakthroughs (and there’s a $50B industry largely built on that myth). But for those of us with the most sensitive hearts and the most quirky minds, chasing after those dramatic transformations can often create more stress than healing.
Trauma informed?
Trauma is THE big subject right now in the personal development world. You've probably heard the phrase “trauma informed” - but what does it really mean?
This perspective recognises and responds to the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and communities. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Recognition: Acknowledges that many people have experienced trauma, which can affect their behaviour, responses, and overall wellbeing.
Understanding: Involves understanding how trauma can impact people's lives, including their mental health, physical health, and ability to function in various settings.
Sensitivity: Sensitive to the signs and symptoms of trauma.
Safety: Emphasises creating physically and emotionally safe environments.
Empowerment: Focuses on empowering individuals by giving them a sense of control and allowing them to actively participate in their healing process.
Avoiding re-traumatisation: Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization by being aware of practices or environments that may trigger painful memories.
The goal is to promote resilience, healing, and recovery rather than use therapy techniques or practices that may inadvertently re-traumatize people.
The gentle truth about inner work
Here's my perspective, based on my experience: Your healing doesn't need to be dramatic to be powerful. In fact, for many of us with high sensitivity it's the quiet, consistent changes that lead to the most profound transformations.
Think about it this way: Have you watched plants grow? You don't notice them stretching upwards minute by minute. But give it time, nurture them gently, and before you know it, you've got a flourishing garden on your hands.
That's exactly how healing and growth works for us. It's not about forcing ourselves into sudden, overwhelming changes. It's about nurturing ourselves with patience, kindness, and tiny steps forward.
The power of your highly sensitive system
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "But doesn't being a highly sensitive person make things harder?" Well, let me tell you – your sensitivity is not a weakness. It's your superpower.
Your ability to feel deeply, to notice the subtle shifts in your environment and within yourself – that's the key to profound healing. It means a little expansion goes a long, long way for you.
Your sensitivity also means you can tune in to the tiny changes that others might miss. And those tiny changes? They're the building blocks of transformation.
Making tiny brave moves
How do you tap into this gentle power? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Celebrate the little things: Did you take a deep breath instead of spiraling into anxiety today? That's huge! Did you speak up for yourself, even if your voice shook? Amazing! Every incremental step forward deserves to be celebrated.
Keep a “Tiny Victories” diary: Get yourself a notebook. Every time you make a tiny brave move or notice a small positive change, write it down in the book. On tough days, reading through these will remind you of how far you've come.
Use the power of 'yet': Instead of saying "I can't do this," try "I can't do this yet." It's a small change in wording that takes the pressure off, reduces stress and opens up a world of possibility.
Honour your natural rhythm: Your path is as unique as you are. Trust your intuition about what feels right for you, even if it looks different from someone else's journey.
A new way of seeing breakthroughs
Here's a little secret: those big breakthroughs you hear so much about? They're often just the moment when you finally notice all the tiny changes that have been accumulating over time.
So the next time you catch yourself being kinder in your self-talk, or the next time you choose self-care over people-pleasing, or the next time you honour your needs without apology – celebrate.
Because these are the real breakthroughs. These moments are reshaping your life, one tiny brave step at a time.
You're doing better than you think
I want to leave you with this thought: You're doing so much better than you think you are.
Every day that you show up, every time you choose to be gentle with yourself, every tiny step you take – you're changing.
The change might not feel dramatic, but it's real, it's powerful, and it's transforming your life in beautiful ways.
Remember, lovely: Your sensitivity is your strength. Your pace is perfect. And your healing, in all its quiet, gradual glory, is nothing short of magical.
Keep making tiny brave moves. And if you’d like some support, The Lighthouse is a soul family sanctuary built especially for highly sensitive and neurospectacular humans just like you.
big love
Belinda Noakes ❤️🔥
Mentor, Energy Alchemist, Lighthouse Keeper for TinyBrave