i think it takes time y'all. first replacing the not so great coping mechanisms with better stuff... then slowly that will allow the body and mind to process stuff. but first we gotta get safe and gotta let our minds and bodies they really are safe. they won't process well and turn things around until they are safe. i think you're on the right track lyn!! and complicated. i think eventually the distracting self will become the "practicing good coping methods" self which will then become the self that can heal in a safe place.
all time.
((((((((((((((lyn, complicated)))))))))))))