ABSTRACT
People cannot just “talk themselves” out of their trauma reactions, as much as they try to think differently about their experiences. This chapter serves to help readers learn to identify what thoughts they are having in relation to their reproductive traumatic experiences. Writing prompts and empowering information aid the reader in exploring any internalized and negative self-referencing beliefs connected to their experience and how they are interpreting what they went through (such as common ones of “I failed” or “I'm broken”). Activities aid the reader in tracking and further understanding trauma triggers and the impact on body sensations, emotions, and negative self-referencing beliefs. Trauma-sensitive mindfulness exercises are provided to help learn to manage these triggers and overwhelming feelings. Self-compassion journaling prompts aid in providing validation of their suffering and a reminder that they are not alone. Again, whether the reader is preparing for trauma therapy, already working with a therapist, or just starting to explore aspects of their experience, this chapter can be a crucial step along their healing process.
