Suppressing parts of ourselves—our anger,
sensitivity, desires, and voice—leaves lasting
effects:
Inner disconnect—feeling numb, lost, and
unsure of who we really are.
Emotional suppression—shutting down
feelings that want to surface.
Self-doubt—believing our needs, desires, and
expressions are not valid.
People-pleasing tendencies—seeking approval
at the expense of authenticity.
What Happens When We Reject Our
Shadow?
The ways we coped—shrinking, silencing, avoiding
conflict—were necessary in environments where
authenticity wasn’t safe. Reclaiming our shadow
isn’t about rejecting how we survived—it’s about
finding new ways to thrive.
Ways to Reclaim & Accept Your Shadow Self
Inner Dialogue – Name and acknowledge
emotions instead of suppressing them.
Reframing the ‘Negative’ – See anger,
sensitivity, and intensity as sources of wisdom
rather than flaws.
Somatic Expression – Use movement,
breathwork, or art to embody healing and
integration.
Boundaries for Self-Acceptance
Internal Boundaries – Challenge self-talk that
dismisses your needs.
Relational Boundaries – Step away from
dynamics that require self-betrayal.
Energy Boundaries – Honor where your time
and presence are best spent.
Compassion & Self-Connection Practices
Mirror Work – Affirm your worth out loud,
embracing every part of yourself.
Compassion Letter – Write to the version of
you who felt silenced, offering understanding.
Journaling Prompts:
What parts of me have I feared expressing?
Why?
How do my survival mechanisms show up
in relationships?
What would it feel like to fully embrace the
emotions I’ve suppressed?
How We Learned to Survive
I look back at that little girl—frozen, afraid—and I
see her. I feel her. She didn’t deserve it. None of
us did.
But today, I choose differently. I choose to honor
the parts of me I once silenced. I choose to speak,
to reclaim, to step fully into my voice, my needs,
my life.
Because healing isn’t just about understanding
the past—it’s about reclaiming the future. It’s
about choosing:
I will not shrink to make others comfortable.
I will not confuse fear with love.
I will trust myself again.
I will step out of cycles that keep me small.
Breaking free from narcissistic patterns,
unlearning survival responses, and stepping into
self-trust is not instant. It’s a process of steady
reclamation—of choosing, over and over again, I
will not abandon myself this time.
Resources for Healing & Reclaiming Your Voice
Vagal Toning Exercises – Activating the vagus
nerve to regulate emotions and reduce stress
responses.
Throat Chakra Work – Strengthening your
ability to express needs and truth without fear.
Somatic Practices for Release:
Grounding – Stand barefoot or place your
hand on your chest to reconnect with your
body’s presence.
Shaking – Release tension through gentle
body shaking to discharge stored stress.
Breathwork – Deep diaphragmatic
breathing to create emotional and physical
relief.
Expressive Movement – Dance, stretch, or
sway to embody freedom and reclamation.
Self-Compassion Practice – Hold your
heart, whisper words of comfort, and allow
yourself to be heard.
Empowerment: How We Begin to Shift
Connect with the author
https://www.instagram.com/mytraumatherapistsays/
SHE TALKS | 41