Handouts 3

Objectives (Signposts) of Recovery:

• Recognition that the trauma occurred and that it is “not my fault”
• Better regulation of emotions and the autonomic nervous system
• Reduction in shame
• Decreased dissociation and somatization
• Increased ability to trust and to form healthy attachments and relationships
• Increased mindfulness and self-awareness
• Improved communication skills
• Decrease in self-harm, self-destructive, and suicidal behavior
• Ability to experience and tolerate a wide variety of emotions
• Improved sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy
• Ability to experience a sense of aliveness, creativity, and joy

Periodically assess these with your therapist and your psychiatric provider to see how far you have come and to focus on areas that need more work.