PATH is an international, online recovery community rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) for the Practice of Addiction and underlying Trauma Healing.
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Connection is the Currency of Recovery
Published 1 day ago • 4 min read
Connection is the Currency of Recovery
By Adrienne Burton
Insight Three: We live in a body – May I respectfully seek awareness and connection
Healing and recovery, whether from trauma, addiction, illness, or emotional pain, are deeply personal journeys. While many people think of healing as an individual effort, the truth is that connection with others and oneself, plays an essential role in the healing and recovery process.
Co-Regulation
At the heart of connection is co-regulation, the concept that our emotional state can become regulated through interaction with others. When we experience distress, whether emotional or physical, our nervous systems can become dysregulated, leading to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or even hopelessness. The simple act of being with another person who is calm, present, and compassionate can have a stabilizing effect and help to re-establish balance in the nervous system. In times of crisis or emotional breakdown, being in the presence of someone who can offer calmness, empathy, and understanding can support the healing process on a physical level.
Attunement
Similar to co-regulation, attunement involves interaction with others and refers to the ability to accurately perceive and respond to a person’s emotional state. When someone can recognize or "tune in" to your feelings with understanding, it provides an experience of being seen and heard. Attunement creates a sense of belonging that provides a safe space to explore vulnerability and authenticity without fear of rejection or shame. When we feel that someone truly understands our inner world, it breaks the isolation often associated with emotional suffering and helps us reconnect with the shared human experience.
Validation
To be validated means to have our experiences and emotions recognized as real and worthy of attention. Many people feel as though their pain is dismissed, minimized, or misunderstood, whereas validation offers the acknowledgment that your pain matters, your experiences are legitimate, and your emotions are valid. This type of recognition fosters self-compassion and can counteract the harmful effects of self-doubt and shame. Validation gives people permission to feel their emotions without fear of rejection and helps people accept their feelings without judgment.
Encouragement
Recovery often involves long, difficult, and sometimes discouraging processes. There are times when it can feel like progress is slow or that setbacks are overwhelming. In these moments, the encouragement of others can provide the strength to continue moving forward. Encouragement can come in many forms: a simple word of reassurance, an empathetic hug, or someone reminding you of your past victories. When we are encouraged by those around us, we feel more capable, more resilient, and more hopeful about our ability to overcome challenges. This can make all the difference, especially when we’re grappling with feelings of hopelessness or doubt.
Motivation
While encouragement helps lift our spirits, motivation fuels action. Motivation is what keeps us focused on our goals and committed to the healing process. A supportive connection can serve as a reminder that progress is possible. In a group setting, one person’s success can inspire another. For instance, seeing someone in a support group who has maintained sobriety for a year can be a profound motivator for someone who is struggling to get through the day. Connection in these moments becomes a catalyst for action—encouraging us to take the next step and also help to celebrate small victories along the way.
Support Network
Support networks offer more than emotional support; they often serve as a gateway to information and resources. They can connect individuals to necessary resources for recovery, such as medical treatment, financial aid, housing, legal assistance, and job or educational opportunities. Additionally, peer support networks are particularly valuable in providing practical guidance. Those who have walked the same path can offer firsthand advice on what has worked for them, such as coping strategies, self-care techniques, or how to navigate the complexities of recovery. This type of guidance not only serves as practical advice but also as a reminder that recovery is possible and achievable, reinforcing the importance of connection and community.
The healing process thrives when it is nurtured by connection. Healing, at its core, is not just about restoring one’s individual self; it is about reconnecting with the world around us and inside us in a meaningful and supportive way. In the same way that we as individuals benefit from connection with others, our parts get these same benefits when connecting with Self. The Self can offer comfort and wisdom, helping the part to release its pain and function in a healthier, more integrated way. Our parts also need emotional support, encouragement, practical resources, and a sense of community. Connection is the thread that weaves these elements together, making recovery not just a solitary pursuit, but a communal and relational journey.
Think about ways that you can cultivate greater connection between your Self and your parts. Perhaps you might consider scheduling special "dates" to get more acquainted and practice offering some of the elements of connection like accessing that place of calm within your Self to co-regulate. Learn to recognize how your parts express their emotions and validate them. Once you sense that parts are more relaxed with Self, offer some gentle encouragement and motivation to try new approaches and celebrate the wins. In Self, you can also share experiences that you've had since a part was wounded along with skills and resources that you've gained. By cultivating a compassionate relationship between the Self and the parts, you can support them in releasing the burdens of trauma and re-establishing inner harmony.
Adrienne Burton is a PATH Board Member and Facilitator, as well as a writer, artist, speaker and wellness coach. To connect with Adrienne, click here.
Exciting News! Dr. Richard Schwartz is coming to PATH!
PATH is excited to announce an amazing partnership with IFS founder, Dr. Richard Schwartz to present "Addressing Shame in Addiction Recovery" on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 12-2pm EDT. This is a 2-hour workshop including a LIVE IFS Demo with a registered participant! To honor our committed PATH community, we are opening registration within the community before announcing to the general public on May 1, so please take advantage. This workshop is offered by donation (suggested minimum donation - $40) to make this program financially accessible to the widest possible audience. Please contribute at your best ability to expand access for all. All proceeds will go to PATH, a 501c3 non-profit organization.
PATH programs are funded by the generous contributions of our members and communities, and we appreciate your support. To make a donation, visit: https://gofund.me/c248afb4
PATH is an international, online recovery community rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) for the Practice of Addiction and underlying Trauma Healing.
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