Bonita Ackerman du Preez
Bonita Ackerman du Preez
#99 Is Guilt One of the Strongest Emotions in Trauma Recovery?
#99 Is Guilt One of the Strongest Emotions in Trauma Recovery?
#99 Is Guilt One of the Strongest Emotions in Trauma Recovery?
Thursday 6th November 2025
Explore how guilt impacts trauma recovery and learn ways to release it with Bonita Ackerman du Preez's expert guidance.
6 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
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
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Episodes:
107 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Breaking Free from Guilt in Trauma Recovery
Episode Overview
- Guilt is often a distorted response from the nervous system.
- Different types of guilt can affect physical and mental health.
- Self-compassion is crucial for healing from trauma.
- Community support aids in releasing burdensome guilt.
- Professional guidance can help navigate trauma recovery.
"Guilt isn't proof that you did something wrong. It's just a sign that you've survived something you never should have had to."
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode of The Trauma Recovery School tackles one of the most powerful yet misunderstood emotions in trauma recovery: guilt. Hosted by Bonita Ackerman du Preez, an award-winning trauma recovery therapist, this episode unravels how guilt can weigh heavily on those recovering from trauma, often keeping them stuck in survival mode.
Bonita explains that guilt isn't always a reflection of reality but rather a distorted response from our nervous system trying to protect us. Bonita shares that many people in trauma recovery feel guilt for things beyond their control, like freezing during a traumatic event or surviving something they shouldn't have had to. She introduces the concept of 'trauma logic'—where guilt becomes a false narrative—and emphasises that healing requires compassion and understanding, not punishment.
Listeners will learn about different types of guilt, such as caretaker guilt and false guilt, and how these can affect the body by triggering stress responses and health issues. Bonita encourages self-compassion as a key component of her trauma recovery method, helping individuals release the guilt that no longer serves them. For those feeling the weight of guilt, this episode offers a beacon of hope and practical advice.
It highlights the importance of community support and professional guidance in overcoming the burdens of guilt. Bonita's insights remind us that guilt is not a life sentence; it's a wound that can heal with the right approach. So, are you ready to let go of what's not yours to carry anymore?