Trauma & feeling safe~15 minTrauma-informedSeeking Safety–informed
Old coping, new coping
Honor what your old ways of coping did for you — and choose safer ones that meet the same needs.
Many people start drinking, using, restricting or hurting themselves to survive overwhelming feelings or experiences. Trauma-informed treatments like Seeking Safety (Najavits) start there: the old coping made sense, and recovery means finding safe coping that meets the same needs.
If you're having urges to hurt yourself, use your safety plan. If you're thinking about suicide or are in danger, call or text 988 now, or call 911.
1. Ways I've coped with pain that hurt me in the long run
A word or two is enough — no need to describe how.
2. What they did for me — relief, numbness, control, sleep, connection, escape
Be honest. These needs are real.
3. What they've cost me
4. The needs underneath
5. Safe ways I could meet each need
6. Safe coping I'm willing to try
Check any that apply
7. What I'll do when the old way pulls hard