Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adry Guerra. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Adry, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Building Resilience After Physical Abuse: A Personal Journey
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and for those who have experienced physical abuse, it becomes an essential trait to rebuild their lives. Here’s an example of how one might develop resilience after enduring physical abuse.
The first step towards resilience is acknowledging the pain and trauma caused by the abuse. For a long time, I tried to bury the memories of the abuse, thinking that ignoring them would make them disappear. However, it wasn’t until I faced those painful memories head-on that I began to heal. Recognizing that what happened was not my fault allowed me to start the journey towards recovery. This acknowledgement was crucial because it validated my feelings and set the foundation for my healing process.
I realized that I couldn’t navigate this journey alone. Seeking professional help was a pivotal decision in my path to resilience. I started seeing a therapist who specialized in trauma. Through therapy, I learned coping mechanisms to deal with flashbacks and anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helped me reframe negative thoughts and build a healthier mental state. My therapist provided a safe space for me to express my fears and emotions, which was instrumental in my healing process.
Isolation often follows abuse, but building a support network is vital for recovery. I reached out to friends and family members I could trust. Their unwavering support and encouragement provided a safety net that I desperately needed. Joining a support group for survivors of physical abuse was also beneficial. Sharing my experiences with others who had been through similar situations made me feel less alone and more understood. The empathy and advice from fellow survivors were invaluable in my journey.
One of the most significant lessons I learned was the importance of setting boundaries. I had to identify and distance myself from toxic relationships that hindered my progress. This was challenging, especially when it involved people I had known for a long time. However, establishing boundaries was necessary to protect my well-being and create a safe environment for myself. Learning to say NO and prioritizing my needs over others’ expectations was empowering and crucial for my recovery.
Resilience is not a destination but a continuous journey. There are still days when the memories of abuse resurface, but I have learned to embrace the journey with all its ups and downs. Each step I take towards healing is a testament to my strength and resilience. I remind myself that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Celebrating these small victories keeps me motivated and reinforces my belief in my ability to overcome adversity.
Hope that sharing my story helps someone in their journey of becoming resilient.
LMT.Adry Guerra
Gbalance Med SPA
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hello, and thank you for the opportunity to share my story and professional journey with you. My name is Adry Guerra , and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). My career is more than just a profession; it’s a calling that allows me to help others heal physically, emotionally, and mentally. Today, I’d like to share a bit about my path, what excites me about my work, and the new directions my practice is taking.
My journey into massage therapy began as a personal quest for healing. After experiencing physical abuse, I found that traditional medical treatments and therapies only addressed part of my healing process. It wasn’t until I experienced the profound benefits of massage therapy that I realized its potential for holistic healing. This revelation inspired me to pursue a career where I could offer others the same relief and comfort that I had found.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey to becoming a successful Licensed Massage Therapist, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful: empathy, continuous learning, and resilience. These elements have shaped my practice and personal growth, and I believe they can be invaluable to others embarking on their own paths.
To develop empathy, practice active listening and be present in your interactions. Pay close attention to verbal and non-verbal cues and strive to understand the emotions behind them. Volunteering or working in roles that require helping others can also enhance your empathic abilities. Remember, empathy is about connecting with others on a human level, so always approach each person with kindness and an open heart.
Invest in your education and never stop learning. Attend workshops, enroll in advanced courses, and stay current with industry literature. Joining professional organizations can provide access to resources and networking opportunities. Embrace a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and improve. Stay curious and open to new ideas, and always seek to expand your knowledge and skills.
To build resilience, focus on developing a positive outlook and strong coping mechanisms. Practice self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and encourage you. Learn from setbacks rather than being discouraged by them. Building resilience is about bouncing back from difficulties and using them as stepping stones towards your goals. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow stronger and more capable.
Remember, every step of your journey is a learning experience. Stay committed, keep an open heart and mind, and trust in your ability to grow and succeed. Your dedication to developing these qualities will not only enhance your professional skills but also enrich your personal life, leading to a more holistic and rewarding path.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Reflecting on my upbringing, the most impactful lesson my parents imparted to me was the principle of “Do no harm.” This simple yet profound teaching has shaped my personal values, professional conduct, and approach to life. Here’s how this lesson has influenced me and how you can teach and embrace this principle in your own life.
The principle of “Do no harm” is rooted in empathy, respect, and compassion. It involves being mindful of our actions and their potential impact on others. My parents taught me that our words and deeds carry power, and it is our responsibility to use that power wisely and kindly.
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