Reclaiming Identity through Collective Care May 30, 2025

Reclaiming Identity through Collective Care: Supporting Women in Grieving Trauma and Restoring Connection

A woman’s sense of identity is deeply personal and continuously evolving, shaped by her experiences, relationships, and the opportunities she pursues and the ones she does not. Trauma can profoundly impact this, leading to disconnection, fragmentation, and isolation, not only from others but from herself. The impact of trauma on identity influences every aspect of a woman’s life, from how she shows up in relationships to the roles she takes on and the paths she follows.

Grief is an integral yet often overlooked aspect of trauma recovery. Traumatic bereavement refers to the loss—whether of a sense of self, safety, or belonging—those results from trauma. The process of restorative mourning offers an opportunity for healing, allowing women to grieve these losses while re-establishing a sense of self. Traditional therapy often focuses on one-on-one support, which is essential, yet trauma-informed care also provides space to expand healing beyond the individual to the collective.