Part 1, Beyond Buzzwords: What Healing Really Means in Trauma Therapy
Healing
Trauma-informed
Holistic
Shadow work
Inner Child work
These words are everywhere right now. They show up in captions, coaching programs, and wellness spaces. But when words become buzzwords, they risk losing their depth, and we risk losing sight of what healing truly asks of us.
Buzzwords, gently unpacked
Healing isn’t a single event or a “one and done.” It’s a layered process, full of many conflicting feelings and emotions.
Trauma-informed refers to the comprehensive acknowledgement and application of principles regarding how trauma affects nervous systems, interpersonal relationships, and perceptions of safety.
Holistic invites us to see the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and community.
Shadow work is the practice of meeting and nurturing the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden or rejected, with compassion.
The problem with buzzwords
When these words are flattened into marketing promises, their depth gets lost. “Trauma-informed” becomes a trendy label, not a lived practice. “Healing” gets sold as a weekend retreat or a single ritual. Quick definitions replace the slow, relational work these concepts actually require, especially for those who experience anxiety, depression and/or symptoms of PTSD.
The reality of healing
Healing is not linear. It asks us to return again and again, to sit with discomfort, to honor pacing. It requires continuity, not shortcuts. It’s relational, embodied, and often messy, very messy.
My perspective
As a therapist who also integrates energy and spiritual practices, I hold both worlds. I honor the depth of therapy while weaving in ritual, symbolism, and spiritual care. I resist the quick-fix narrative by modeling continuity and layered transformation.
Closing invitation
Next time you see a buzzword, pause. Ask yourself: does this feel like a shortcut, or does it invite me into depth? Healing honors your pace, your body, and your story, not a marketing timeline.
About Mallory
Mallory Tedrick, LISW, is a trauma-informed therapist in Cleveland who weaves relational care, nervous-system work, and spiritual integration into her sessions. Her approach is steady, compassionate, and rooted in continuity, not quick fixes. If you’re seeking support that honors your pace, your story, and your whole self, you’re welcome to reach out and schedule a consultation.