Nathaniel Eli (Eli) Hastings

I believe that the vast majority of people are suffering from traumatic wounds, even if their symptoms align with “depression, anxiety,” etc. (though there are biochemical and neurological origins for some of these as well). I also believe, as Internal Family Systems does, that every human being has a Core Self which can never be killed, never be damaged, and contains all of the qualities necessary to heal from any trauma, however extreme—we need only look widely at the world to witness people who ratify this. I believe that the majority of people, therapy-seekers or otherwise, often insist they have no suffered no trauma at all. Or they are participating in what some I call the “trauma Olympics,” insisting they deserve no medal or special care.