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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
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Gill Straker and Jacqui Winship

It’s important to recognise trauma – but we should not let it become our entire identity

sad man on bed
‘The exclusive identification as a victim can overshadow more positive aspects of someone’s identity, limiting their autonomy, enjoyment and creativity.’ Photograph: Justin Paget/Getty Images

How we shape our identity plays a vital role in determining our wellbeing. This shaping, often unconscious, can propel our personal growth but also sometimes limit it in unintended ways.

As societal awareness grows about the traumatic impact of racism, domestic violence, prejudice, discrimination, poverty and the like, there has been an increasing focus on trauma-informed therapy. This approach recognises trauma’s influence on wellbeing and shifts away from blaming victims for their circumstances.

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