One of the most counterintuitive truths about post-traumatic growth: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Post-Traumatic Growth Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of post-traumatic growth
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking post-traumatic growth is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging post-traumatic growth without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing post-traumatic growth to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for post-traumatic growth while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Post-Traumatic Growth
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting post-traumatic growth, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Post-Traumatic Growth
Many people find that when they stop fighting post-traumatic growth and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of post-traumatic growth is partly the struggle against it.