Bonita Ackerman du Preez
Bonita Ackerman du Preez
#83 How Trauma and PTSD Distort Identity and Self-Worth | Healing Guide
#83 How Trauma and PTSD Distort Identity and Self-Worth | Healing Guide
#83 How Trauma and PTSD Distort Identity and Self-Worth | Healing Guide
Tuesday 27th May 2025
Explore how trauma impacts identity and self-worth with Bonita Ackerman du Preez. Discover insights into healing and rebuilding a sense of self.
10 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Hopeful
Healing
About this podcast
Author:
Bonita Ackerman du Preez
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Mindful Recovery
Healing Relationships
Entrepreneurship for Personal Growth
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
83 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Understanding Identity: How Trauma Shapes Who We Are
Episode Overview
- Trauma can distort your sense of identity and self-worth.
- Identity consists of four parts: I, Me, Self, and You.
- Family dynamics and cultural environment shape identity.
- Identities are flexible and can be reshaped over time.
- Supportive relationships bolster self-image.
"Identity shapes our experiences, beliefs, values, and importantly, the role we play in society."
Bonita Ackerman du Preez, the founder of The Trauma Recovery School, takes you on a journey to understand how trauma and PTSD can distort identity and self-worth. With her warm and approachable style, Bonita explains how our sense of self is more than just a name tag at a conference. It's about how we fit into society and how past trauma can shake those foundations.
In this episode, Bonita breaks down the concept of identity into four key parts: I, Me, Self, and You. Each part plays a crucial role in how we see ourselves and interact with others. She describes 'I' as the doer – the part that makes decisions and takes action, while 'Me' reflects on experiences and emotions. 'Self' is the sum of our values and beliefs, and 'You' is how we relate to others.
Understanding these aspects can help us recognise why trauma might make us feel like we're on shaky ground. Bonita discusses how family dynamics, cultural environment, and personal choices all contribute to shaping our identity. She points out that a supportive environment can bolster our sense of self, while negative experiences might lead to a less stable identity. Her insights encourage reflection on how our upbringing and current circumstances affect our self-image.
For those feeling lost in the fog of trauma, Bonita offers hope by emphasising that identities are flexible. They can change with effort and support. She invites you to consider which part of your identity needs nurturing and provides guidance on taking steps towards healing. So, if you've ever wondered why you feel stuck or unsure about who you are, this episode might just be the nudge you need to start exploring your identity with compassion and curiosity.