How To Differentiate Healing VS. Backsliding In Philadelphia
When it comes to personal growth and well-being, many people find themselves wondering: Am I healing, or am I backsliding? It’s not always easy to tell the difference, especially when old patterns resurface or emotions feel overwhelming. Let’s explore the distinction and how to approach what might feel like a “setback” with curiosity and self-compassion.
Healing Is Not Linear
One of the most important things to understand is that healing is rarely a straight path. Instead, it’s a journey filled with ups, downs, and pauses. True healing takes time, patience, and the willingness to revisit old wounds with new tools.
Signs of progress during healing can include:
Moments of clarity: Feeling lighter and more aligned.
New insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.
Improved resilience: Recovering faster from challenges.
But even during healing, there are moments that can feel like backsliding:
Old triggers reappearing.
Reverting to familiar coping mechanisms.
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
What Is Backsliding?
Backsliding happens when old habits and patterns resurface without awareness, insight, or a plan to get back on track. It can feel like losing ground on progress you’ve made. Maybe you’ve worked on setting healthy boundaries but find yourself overcommitting again. Or perhaps you’ve been practicing mindfulness but catch yourself in spiraling thoughts.
Here’s the key: backsliding doesn’t mean failure. Everyone fumbles. What matters is showing up and taking steps to regain your footing. Backsliding is an opportunity to:
Identify what triggered the shift.
Practice self-compassion.
Revisit the tools and strategies that have worked for you before.
How to Differentiate Healing from Backsliding
Sometimes, what feels like backsliding is actually a deeper layer of healing. Here’s how to tell the difference:
1.) Old patterns showing up:
Healing: You recognize the pattern and consciously work through it using new skills or perspectives.
Backsliding: You feel stuck in the pattern without awareness or a plan to change it.
2.) Emotional intensity:
Healing: You experience intense emotions but can process them or seek support without prolonged overwhelm.
Backsliding: The emotions feel consuming, and you may resort to numbing or avoidance.
3.) Response to triggers:
Healing: You notice triggers and can use grounding techniques to manage your reaction.
Backsliding: Triggers leave you feeling disoriented, and you might start believing the messages of your reaction, leading back to old behaviors.
4.) Growth over time:
Healing: Reflecting on your journey shows progress, even if it’s slow or uneven.
Backsliding: You feel stuck without a sense of forward movement.
Healing often feels like peeling an onion—you’re not going in circles; you’re working through layers.
Tools to Support Your Journey:
Whether you’re healing or feel like you’re backsliding, here are some tools to help:
Grounding exercises: Use deep breathing, somatic exercises, or mindfulness to center yourself in the present moment.
Journaling: Reflect on your experiences to identify patterns or triggers.
Reach out: Share what you’re experiencing with a therapist, friend, or support group.
Self-compassion: Remind yourself that growth is a process, not a destination.
Ready to Take The Next Step? We can Help You in Philadelphia
At Revive Therapy Services, we understand the complexities of healing. Whether you’re peeling back the layers of trauma, confronting old fears, or stepping into a more authentic version of yourself, in Philadelphia we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Sometimes, having the right tools and a compassionate guide like one of our therapist’s Salima or Mary can make all the difference. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward healing with confidence.
Visit Revive Therapy Services to learn more or book your session now virtually or in person in Philadelphia.
Remember, healing isn’t about never falling—it’s about learning how to rise with greater strength and understanding every time you do.
