recovery from CPTSD is complex. Sometimes, it can feel so hopelessly complex that we totally give up and get stuck in inertia for considerable lengths of time. This is why it is so important to understand that recovery is gradual and frequently a backwards and forwards process.

Effective recovery is often limited to only progressing in one or two areas at a time. Biting off more than we can chew and trying to accomplish too much too soon is often counterproductive. As a flight type, I spent years in mid-range recovery workaholically spinning my wheels trying to fix and change everything at once.

We often need to simplify our self-help efforts in early recovery. Accordingly, I recommend making shrinking the critic your “go to” response if you feel unsure how to proceed.

Once the critic is reduced enough that you can notice increasing periods of your brain being user-friendly, impulses to help and care for yourself naturally arise. As this happens, it becomes easier to tell whether you’re guiding yourself with love or a whip. When you realize its the whip, please try to disarm your critic and treat yourself with the kindness you would extend to any young child who is struggling and having a hard time.