And why it's more important than it might seem
When a person seeks therapy, they usually feel tired. They have been through too much, kept everything to themselves, maybe even told themselves for too long “I’ll manage on my own.” And finally, they decide to go to therapy. This is a big step.
But here I want to sincerely share what I see from my own experience as a trauma psychologist: sometimes therapy alone is not enough.
And it’s not because it doesn’t work. It does. It’s just that a person is not just a head.
We are a whole – body, mind, emotions, nervous system, relationships with others. Everything is interconnected. When we realize this, therapy becomes not a fight, but a gentle, accepting healing process.
I’m not talking about improvement. I’m talking about support.
I have seen clients who diligently attend therapy, but also:
- sleep 4-5 hours a day,
- live on coffee and sugar,
- sit all day without moving,
- have not talked to anyone they feel safe with for a long time.
In this state, the nervous system is exhausted. The body cries out for help. And when the body is overworked, it is difficult to concentrate, to be with the current emotions and internal chaos. The treatment does not move forward as it could.
Why is it important to care comprehensively or in other words holistically?
Biologically we have a nervous system that needs sleep, protein, good fats, gentle movement.
Psychologically we have emotions, internal parts, memories that are important to hear, understand, heal.
Socially we belong to the fabric of relationships. When we are with safe people, our body relaxes.
When one of these parts is separated, it is harder to heal.
So, how do you prepare for therapy? or for life you want ;)
Here are a few simple but very important things that I often talk about with my clients:
1. Sleep is not a luxury, but the foundation of treatment.
Try to create your own sleep rituals. EMDR or IFS therapy takes place through the nervous system - without rest, it has no strength to change.
2. Eat for yourself, not against yourself.
You don't have to be perfect. But avoid things that constantly borrow energy from the future: too much sugar, caffeine, constant snacking. Sometimes therapy "doesn't work" because the body lacks quality fuel.
3. Movement - gentle, but regular.
You don't need marathons. But walking, stretching exercises, yoga, dancing - help ground the body, reduce tension and prepare for therapeutic work.
4. Social safety
When healing from trauma, it is especially important to have at least one person you can breathe to. If you don't have one - talk about it in therapy. In IFS therapy, we often work with parts that are afraid of connection. This can be transformed.
Therapy is like spring sowing. And your everyday life is the soil in which it grows.
You can go to the best psychotherapist. Apply EMDR, IFS, mindfulness. But if everyday life is constant stress, hunger, insomnia, isolation, therapeutic processes will not take root.
Therefore, do not pressure yourself to be perfect. But be gently attentive to yourself as a whole.Little by little.
We can heal wounds only when the body feels safe. And this is sleep, food, and connection.
If you want, we can see together what the “soil” of your therapy looks like.
I am here to help you not only talk about difficulties, but also to establish yourself in a life where you can be alive, real, and your own.
I am Rūta Navickė, trauma psychologist, I help adults to get to know their body better, to empower their inner wisdom to heal from trauma and to regain satisfaction with life. Only online.
I invite you to download my free self-help book, where you will find useful tools and strategies to help you better understand yourself and your body's reactions. Download the book here: STRESOniškės. Pocket guide (only in LT)Let me guide you towards well-being.
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