“Pleasure in the Service of Healing: The Unexplored and Miraculous Path to Post-Traumatic Growth”
Despina Ploussiou
Psychological trauma can dramatically alter our lives, affecting not just how we think and feel, but also how we experience and enjoy everyday moments. Individuals who have been traumatized and have endured overwhelming experiences often find it challenging to experience joy and satisfaction in simple activities, such as having a conversation with friends or enjoying a nice meal. This disconnection from pleasure is closely tied to the way trauma impacts the brain and nervous system, keeping us in a perpetual state of "alert."
One of the most significant effects of psychological trauma is the disconnection from our bodies. Trauma doesn't just cut us off from pleasure mentally; it also prevents us from experiencing our bodies as sources of positive emotions. As Peter Levine explains, “The body is the vessel for healing, and to overcome trauma, we must reconnect with it.” Disconnection from the body is a survival mechanism designed to help us avoid reliving pain, but it also hinders us from fully embracing the richness of life.
Pleasure serves as the pathway that reconnects us with our bodies, which play a direct role in healing from trauma. Through physical pleasures—whether it’s gentle movement, feeling the breeze on our skin, or enjoying a meal with loved ones—the body reawakens and begins to emerge from the shadow of survival mode.
How Trauma Disconnects Us from Pleasure
When we experience trauma, our bodies enter survival mode. This means our nervous system, particularly the sympathetic system, remains in a constant state of hyper-arousal, always prepared to shield us from perceived threats. Our brains prioritize survival, leaving no room for pleasure. Trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk points out, “The traumatized brain lives in a world of threat. When we’re in that state, the joys of life feel distant and unattainable.”
While this response is normal in times of danger, when prolonged, it can hinder our ability to rediscover joy and peace. The brain, overwhelmed by anxiety and fear, struggles to focus on pleasurable experiences. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and experiencing pleasure, cannot function properly when the amygdala—the fear center—is continually on high alert.
The Healing Power of Pleasure
Even though trauma can disrupt our connection to pleasure, pleasure itself is vital for healing. As experts suggest, allowing ourselves to feel joy and satisfaction aids the brain in returning to regulation, or a state of balanced functioning. Psychiatrist Frank Anderson emphasizes, “Pleasure is not just something that feels good; it’s a vital part of healing, helping the nervous system return to a state of safety.”
Experiencing joy and bliss activates our parasympathetic system, particularly the vagus nerve, which helps us relax and feel secure, thus reconnecting us with others. This system is essential for our social connectedness and sense of well-being. Through pleasure, we not only appreciate the beauty of life but also assist our brains in moving out of the stressful survival mode.
The Role of the Arts in Reconnecting with Pleasure
The arts, as a form of expression and creativity, play a crucial role in reconnecting us with the human experience and the pleasures of life. Music, painting, dance, and poetry all provide opportunities to express our inner world, release emotions suppressed by trauma, and rediscover the joy of creation. Through art, we can reconnect with the human experience, once again enjoying the joy of spontaneous expression. Bessel van der Kolk states, “Art allows us to process traumatic experiences in ways that words often cannot.”
The Danger of Being Stuck in Trauma
There is a significant risk of becoming too focused on our trauma to the extent that we neglect our inherent human right to experience pleasure. Remaining trapped in the ongoing narrative of pain can lead to re-traumatization and the loss of opportunities for healing. Peter Levine notes, “Trauma is not what happens to us; it’s what remains inside us. To heal, we need to make room for pleasure.”
Pleasure is not just an escape from pain but a fundamental tool that helps us move away from the dark symptoms of trauma and reconnect with life. Rather than focusing solely on the discomfort of trauma, it’s important to consciously seek out experiences that bring joy and revitalization, whether it’s a walk in nature or a meal shared with loved ones.
The Ancient Wisdom of Dionysus
The power of pleasure is no new discovery. Ancient Greek philosophy and Dionysian rituals emphasized the importance of pleasure, not only as a means to live life fully but also as a path to emotional healing and the transcendence of pain. Dionysus, the god of joy, fertility, and ecstasy, embodied the union of humans with their instincts, nature, and divine pleasure, demonstrating that joy can lead to deeper understanding and healing.
This ancient wisdom remains powerful today. Pleasure is not merely a luxury but a necessary force for emotional healing and growth. Just as the rituals of Dionysus combined pleasure with purification, modern psychology acknowledges the essential role of joy in the journey toward post-traumatic growth.
Conclusion
Pleasure is a potent therapeutic force for those who have endured psychological trauma. While trauma severs our connection to the joys of life, reconnecting with pleasure can assist the nervous system in returning to a state of safety and calm. Allowing ourselves to experience pleasure is not just important for our well-being; it is vital for healing and post-traumatic growth.
As Bessel van der Kolk asserts, “Healing is not just about getting rid of the pain. It’s about rediscovering our ability to enjoy life.”
English 
Ελληνικά