Empowerment and Healing: 8 Journal Prompts for Survivors
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Chapter 1: Understanding C-PTSD
Upon receiving my diagnosis of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), I was engulfed in confusion and solitude. Although I had escaped a five-year abusive relationship, I soon realized that the scars of that experience might linger indefinitely.
To equip myself for overcoming challenges, I immersed myself in research. I discovered that while trauma disorders are frequently associated with intimate partner violence, there is a distinct scarcity of resources aimed at long-term recovery from such trauma. It became evident that I would need to create my own tools for healing.
By drawing on my personal experiences with abuse, five years of work within the justice system, and extensive professional and educational backgrounds in trauma and mental health, I embarked on the challenging yet necessary journey of healing my trauma.
Guided Journaling
I find that guided journaling serves as a beneficial coping mechanism. However, I often face difficulties in locating prompts that are sufficiently tailored to provoke authentic, heartfelt responses.
This struggle motivated me to compile a collection of journal prompts specifically relevant to my situation. I began noting down topics and questions that emerged during my reflections and conversations about my experiences. Many of these prompts have inspired entire articles on my blog.
Below are several writing prompts designed for those who have faced the aftermath of intimate partner violence (IPV). Whether you’re confronting past traumas or forging a path toward a more hopeful future, these prompts provide a safe space for exploring your emotions and thoughts.
If any of these prompts resonate with you, I would love to hear about your reflections in the comments!
Safety
Reflect on a moment when you felt the most secure and at ease. What elements contributed to that feeling? Close your eyes and consider the sensations in your body and mind during that experience of safety.
Coping
What strategies do you use to manage intense emotions or triggering situations stemming from your abuse? Are there healthier alternatives worth exploring?
Self-Compassion
Compose a letter expressing compassion to your former self during a difficult time. Address any feelings of shame or self-blame you may hold regarding your survival actions. Contemplate why you’re ready to release this guilt from your emotional load. Forgive yourself and motivate yourself to keep moving forward.
Relationships
How has your outlook on life and relationships changed since your trauma? What characteristics do you appreciate in a healthy, supportive relationship? Reflect on relationships in your life that exemplify these qualities.
Boundaries
What boundaries do you believe are essential in a romantic relationship? Share a lesson about boundaries you've learned from past partners.
Self-Trust
Victims of domestic violence often endure gaslighting and manipulation, making it hard to trust their own experiences. Write about a time when you followed your intuition and achieved a positive result. How can you cultivate self-trust by tuning into your instincts moving forward?
Progress
Describe a moment that filled you with pride regarding your healing journey. Take a moment to text your best friend about it, and ask them to share a moment of progress in their life too. Celebrate your shared growth and empowerment!
Goal-Setting
Reflect on how healing and goal achievement are not always linear. How can you maintain motivation during challenging times? What methods can you use to track and measure your healing progress over the next two weeks?
Looking for more prompts to assist you in processing and healing from domestic violence?
Trauma is challenging, but recovery doesn’t have to be. Subscribe with one click to receive a FREE digital copy of my new guided journal, “Empower and Heal: 90 Days of Transformational Prompts for Trauma Recovery, Self-Discovery, and Growth,” delivered directly to your inbox!
Veronica Wren Trauma Recovery Book Club
Before I Let Go — Kennedy Ryan
This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and decide to make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission to support my book-buying habit (and I might even do a little celebratory dance in my apartment just for you). I promise to recommend only those resources I genuinely believe in and have found helpful during my healing journey. Happy reading!
Chapter 2: Additional Resources
Explore journaling ideas specifically for narcissistic survivors, offering insights and inspiration through personal reflections.
This video provides nine journaling prompts designed to address childhood trauma, C-PTSD, and the inner child, helping viewers engage in deeper self-reflection.