Normal life requires that we create methods of coping with life’s challenges. When l was nine I had Perthes disease and walked on crutches for over nine months. I fully recovered from the disease but had adapted to having the crutches be part of me. I would not walk without them after I had been told I did not need them. I even crawled into the house after my mother took them away from me in the back yard. At the next visit to the doctor’s office I was told I could not leave with the crutches. I walked down the hallway and never used them again.
I wish I had the authority of that doctor with my clients. When I see clients fully recover from PTSD, DID or other negative belief from the past, they still use the crutches that are no longer useful. Crutches prevent us from being able to live outside the bubble people place themselves in to try to control their environment. We refuse to take off the armor one wears to protect ourselves from threats that no longer exist. It is odd that when one recovers from an identifiable mental health issue, which I see happen with my clients, the significant work is to adapt to being normal. Habits that have been created over a lifetime are not easy to let go of. It is easy to assess when they are able to feel safe being themselves in present time. They are able to sleep more restfully and wake more alert. They have an easy smile and are excited to talk about their life , whether it is about something they did, an experience with others, or something they are passionate about.