The Healing Crisis: When Getting Better Feels Worse

A healing crisis is a temporary worsening of symptoms that can occur on the path to recovery. This article explores the phenomenon through the wisdom of spiritual teachings and the work of trauma experts like Gabor Maté, Peter Levine, and Bessel van der Kolk, offering guidance and encouragement for navigating this challenging but radical process.

# The Healing Crisis: When Getting Better Feels Worse My dearest friend, if you are reading these words, it is likely because you have embarked on the sacred journey of healing.

A path of courage, of transformation, and of raw love for yourself. But perhaps you’ve found that the road to wholeness has taken an unexpected turn.

Instead of feeling lighter and more joyful, you feel… worse. Old pains resurface, emotions are raw, and your body aches in ways you don’t understand.

If this is you, I want you to take a deep breath, place a hand on your heart, and know this: you are not alone, and you are not going backward.