I love this diagram explaining the layers of healing. My knowledge of the healing process was almost non-existent when my journey began. Just getting to the first layer, Naming Abuse, was a marathon in itself.
I naively believed that removing myself and my children from the abusive situation with the narcissist and finding safety would fix everything. In reality, we were all in the beginning stages of healing, and all of us are in different layers now. I am happy to say we all understand and can name the abuse we endured. We are all safe now and have resources to help us continue our healing journey on our unique paths.
The final six layers are very personal to each of us. A handbook, instruction manual, and a map would have been beneficial in the beginning. We are here to support each other no matter how damaged we may still be. The collective knowledge we have of shared traumatic experiences with the narcissist, and our need for healing is invaluable as the journey continues.

Reblogged this on Beckie's Mental Mess and commented:
I really appreciate “Undeniable Sara” for her posting this flame of healing. Thank you, Sara.
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My pleasure and thanks for the reblog.
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Thanks for sharing this. Something visual I can finally offer to the family members who just don’t understand why an adopted child would still be suffering when they are “so lucky to have [us]”
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My pleasure. I hope the visual helps.
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I to like this diagram. Not sure what layer I would fall into…I might have to save this and give it some thought. TC
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It is a great diagram, I agree. I had to take a moment to see where I fit too.
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So glad you’re safe and growing through the layers.
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Thank you. I look forward to the future journey.
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Thank you for the re blog!.
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Needed this. Thank you.
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My pleasure. I hope you find it helpful.
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I like this diagram. It could be valuable to work through for healing in all aspects of abuse, whether physical or mental or both, and in all kinds of relationships.
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It is a wonderful diagram and I agree, it could work for many different types of trauma/abuse.
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This diagram is great. It is so important for people close to someone working their way through this process to understand the layers and their meanings
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I agree, understanding the process and that it doesn’t happen overnight is crucial.
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Thank you for sharing, this was very informative!
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My pleasure.
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I’d not seen the layers of healing graphic before. It’s so helpful. I thought I knew a lot about healing after getting my NP license. HAH! Western medicine treats symptoms–which sometimes is what is needed–but too often we prescribe drugs that don’t heal, just cover up, symptoms. Best wishes to you on your journey!
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Thank you. I agree, this is a wonderful diagram.
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Reblogged this on The Struggle to Get Here and commented:
I am early in my healing process through a very difficult time. This is so helpful. I wish I had had this diagram through my past healing processes. Counselors helped grealy, but this diagram is by far the best I have ever seen.
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Thank you for the re blog. Best wishes on your healing journey. I agree, this is an outstanding diagram. I too enlisted the help of a therapist but this diagram was eye opening to me too.
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I like this. I have journeyed through my abuse, and never thought of it this elegantly as a flaming onion. You peel the layers and then set them on fire to fuel the next step.
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Oooo, I love the imagery you worded there. My partner and I talk a lot about onions, so REALLY love the way you worded that. Especially since I personally believe that fire is cleansing and redeeming.
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Agreed!
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Thank you. The visual impact of this diagram is wonderful.
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I’ve often thought of healing as the layers in an onion, but didn’t realise there was a diagram that described it. Thank you for sharing it.
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My pleasure.
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I wonderful simple blog that also gives so much the diagram is an excellent way of providing a visual to those that are looking to understand.
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I went thru an eight year health crisis of fibromyalgia and chronic migraines with depression and chronic fatigue as a result of being mentally and emotionally abused by my ex. This is not fun. It has taken me a while to bounce back from all the pain, but I’m functioning at full speed again after my team of doctors said I would always be in pain. Not so!
I will say prayers for you and your family. Nice job on the blog!
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Thank you and I admire you for the persistence to get well regardless of what the doctors say.
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