But it is vital that the survivor be encouraged to use adequate doses of planful forethought when charting his new course. Often, it is necessary to set goals, make plans, repetitiously approach new challenges, and carefully assess the positive or negative results with a trusted helper. Over the years of conscious recovery from abuse the survivor is challenged to grow toward a ever-deepening sense of creative integrity, a symphysis of the attitudinal components resulting in primary emotional experience and meaningful expression. Most major theories in the field of growth psychology offer a unique spin on the concept of one's head, heart and hands working together on behalf of their owner. Our quest is that of achieving this ongoing growth state.
Narrative repair is the cognitive piece in the cycle of creative integrity.
It is the re-writing of the life story. The metabolized trauma remains only part of the script, not the main theme. Identity formation is centered on the truth, the principles of healthy growth and change over the life-span. Sexual trauma in one's personal history is included as tragic reality that is subject to more a powerful life-force of character development, forgiveness, resiliency and love. Survivors become thrivors as we demonstrate to the world around us that our belief system is positively focused and characterized by hope.