Healing: The Journey Back to Wholeness
What is Healing?
Healing is more than just the recovery from physical ailments—it is a process of restoration in the mind, body, and soul. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines healing as the ability to repair and restore well-being after experiencing distress or trauma (APA, 2020). For many, healing involves unlearning harmful patterns, processing emotional wounds, and reestablishing a sense of safety and self-worth.
As a Family Medicine Physician with both lived and professional experience, I see daily how unhealed wounds—especially those rooted in childhood—manifest in adulthood. From chronic stress and anxiety to physical illnesses like hypertension and autoimmune disorders, the connection between emotional trauma and overall health is undeniable (Felitti et al., 1998).
Why Healing Childhood Mindsets is Crucial
Many of the beliefs we carry into adulthood—our self-worth, our relationships, how we handle stress—are shaped by our childhood experiences. If we grew up in environments where love was conditional, emotions were dismissed, or survival required suppression, we may unconsciously continue those patterns in adulthood.
Unhealed childhood wounds can lead to:
People-pleasing—seeking external validation at the expense of our own needs
Perfectionism—believing we are only worthy when we perform exceptionally
Fear of failure—avoiding risks due to deeply ingrained self-doubt
Emotional suppression—struggling to express emotions in healthy ways
Dysfunctional relationships—repeating unhealthy patterns learned in childhood
Research shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) significantly increase the risk of developing mental and physical health conditions later in life, reinforcing the importance of healing (Felitti et al., 1998).
Practical Steps to Healing
Healing is not a linear journey—it is filled with setbacks, breakthroughs, and continuous self-discovery. Here are some practical steps to begin or deepen your healing journey:
1️⃣ Acknowledge the Wound
Awareness is the first step. Reflect on the beliefs or behaviors that no longer serve you and ask, Where did I learn this? Journaling can be a powerful tool for uncovering hidden patterns.
2️⃣ Seek Professional Support
Therapy, coaching, or support groups can provide guidance in unpacking childhood wounds and learning healthier coping strategies (Porges, 2011). A trauma-informed therapist can help process deep-rooted emotions in a safe space.
3️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion
Many of our struggles come from self-criticism and internalized shame. Developing self-compassion through positive self-talk, mindfulness, and affirmations can rewire the brain for self-acceptance (Neff, 2011).
4️⃣ Set Boundaries
Healing often requires learning to say no and creating environments that support your well-being. Whether it’s distancing from toxic relationships or prioritizing rest, boundaries are a form of self-respect.
5️⃣ Rewire Thought Patterns
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques can help challenge negative thoughts and replace them with healthier perspectives (Beck, 2011).
6️⃣ Prioritize Rest and Nourishment
The body holds onto stress, and healing requires nurturing the nervous system through proper sleep, movement, and balanced nutrition. Activities like deep breathing, yoga, and time in nature support emotional healing (Porges, 2011).
Final Thoughts
Healing from childhood mindsets is not about blaming the past but reclaiming your future. Every step taken—no matter how small—is a step toward wholeness, freedom, and a life led with intention rather than limitation.
If you’re on a healing journey, know that you’re not alone. In fact, my first book ‘Prescriptions & Prayers: Healing from Childhood Trauma and Guidance for First-Generation Minority Medical Students’ is dedicated to just that and comes out September 6th, 2025!
Subscribe to my Weekly Dose Newsletter for the most up-to-date information about my book release and more insights on health, healing, and personal growth. Let’s continue this journey together.
📖 References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Trauma and stress-related disorders. https://www.apa.org
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
Neff, K. (2011). Self-compassion: Stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind. HarperCollins.
Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.
