Self-Saving Patterns: Protecting Yourself
Freeze Response: "If I just stay still, nothing bad will happen. I can keep us safe this way."
Self-Isolation: "Reaching out never worked before. It feels safer to rely on myself rather than face disappointment again."
Hypervigilance: "I can't let this happen again. I need to stay alert and protect us from repeating the past."
Dissociation: "It's too overwhelming. Shutting down feels like the only safe option right now."
Self-Sabotage: "I'm just trying to keep things familiar. The unknown has led to failure and stress before, so I'm protecting us from that."
These are parts of you that have tried to protect you in the past, and they deserve respect. But remember, you no longer need to work so hard. You are safe now. You are capable. You can ride the waves and navigate new experiences with strength. 🌊✨
Try those art therapy exercises to create a new coping strategy with confidence:
Create a peaceful space filled with love and hope with the exercise "Lighthouse"
Create a comfortable and secure space with the exercise "I am in a safe place"
Learn to alleviate your negative emotions with this exercise "Emotional ladder"
Allow yourself to be free from the expectations of others with the exercise "Permission leaflet"
Cheer yourself up with important memories with the exercise "A heart of Warmth"
Overcome your anxiety with the exercise "What does your anxiety look like?"
Get rid of your guilt with the exercise "Letting the guilt go"
Open yourself to possibility of something beautiful with the exercise "A gift in my life"
