Reclaiming identity: The role of personality training in overcoming trauma 

Meet Sarah, the ultimate multitasker. Always juggling work, social events, and personal projects, she’s the definition of busy. But behind her packed schedule lies a story of childhood experiences that shaped her into the person she is today. Through the lens of personality training, let’s take a closer look at Sarah’s journey and how understanding her personality and trauma transformed her life. 

Sarah’s Story: 

Sarah grew up in a household where emotions were rarely discussed. Her parents, both always focused on work, had little time for emotional connection and emphasized the importance of success and productivity above all else. Any display of vulnerability or weakness was swiftly dismissed, leaving Sarah to navigate her emotions on her own. 

Fast forward to adulthood, and Sarah’s pattern of overachievement persists. She pours herself into her work, filling her days with endless tasks and commitments and constantly seeking validation and recognition from her superiors. The busier she is, the less time she has to confront the uncomfortable emotions and her inner turmoil in her family dynamics.

In her personal life, Sarah struggles to connect with others on a deeper level. She finds it challenging to open up to others, fearing that vulnerability will be perceived as weakness. Instead, she keeps people at arm’s length, maintaining a facade of strength and composure. 

When faced with conflict or difficult emotions, Sarah’s instinct is to fix the problem immediately. She avoids dwelling on the underlying feelings, opting instead to focus on finding a solution. This reactive approach serves her well in the workplace but hinders her ability to navigate intimate relationships. 

Despite her outward success, Sarah often feels a sense of emptiness and disconnection. She longs for deeper connections and a sense of purpose beyond her professional accomplishments. But breaking free from the cycle of overachievement and avoidance feels daunting, like stepping into the unknown without a roadmap. 

Sarah’s journey is a familiar one for many “doers” who use action and achievement as a shield against their inner turmoil. Personalized coaching became a turning point for Sarah. Through personality training exercises and discussions about her past, she began to unravel the layers of her trauma. Sarah realized that her constant busyness was a coping mechanism—a way to avoid facing the pain and uncertainty of her childhood experiences. She learned to embrace her emotions and let go of the need for perfection, break free from her patterns and embrace a more authentic, fulfilling self. 

Do You Exhibit Traits of a Doer Personality? 

Curious to know if you exhibit traits of a “doer” personality? Check out this simplified list below and explore the basics of personality training!” 

  1. High Achieving: You are focused on accomplishing tasks and goals. 
  1. Workaholic Tendencies: You may overwork as a way to avoid intimacy and your own emotions. 
  1. Desire for Control: You want to excel in experiences and feel a sense of achievement. 
  1. Reactive Problem-Solving: You tend to react quickly to situations, focusing on finding solutions rather than acknowledging emotions. 
  1. Avoidance of Feelings: You avoid dwelling on emotions or past experiences, preferring to stay busy. 
  1. Perfectionism: You put a lot of energy into doing things correctly and can be harsh on yourself for mistakes. 
  1. Struggles with Ambiguity: You may find it challenging to navigate situations without clear parameters or goals. 
  1. Difficulty with Emotional Awareness: You have trouble recognizing and sitting with your own feelings, often preferring action over introspection. 
  1. Dissociative Tendencies: You may disconnect from your emotions and rush into action without realizing your emotional state. 
  1. Surprised by Tension: You are surprised when others perceive you as tense or intense, as you may not be aware of your own emotions. 
  1. Rooted in the Flight Response: Your personality is rooted in a tendency to avoid present emotions and messy childhood experiences. 
  1. Struggles with Intimacy: You find it difficult to engage in conflict resolution or deep emotional connection, often preferring to fix problems quickly. 
  1. Challenges in Therapy: You may struggle to delve into your emotions in therapy and may need encouragement to explore deeper feelings. 
  1. Tendency to Escape Feelings: You may use action or achievement as a way to escape uncomfortable emotions or memories from childhood. 
  1. Loss of Identity: You may lose sight of your authentic self as you become consumed by your actions and achievements. 
Share