The Psychology of Recovery: What No One Tells You After a Health Crisis
When we think about recovery, we often picture physical healing — stitches removed, scans cleared, and discharge papers handed over. But what happens after the hospital stay? What about the emotional scars that don’t show up on X-rays?
At HeartWell, we recently delivered a powerful training session titled “The Psychology of Recovery: What No One Tells You After a Health Crisis.” This workshop was designed for carers, support workers, rehab staff, and aged care teams — the people walking beside clients long after the crisis is over.
Here’s a glimpse into what we explored together.
Healing is not just physical. After a stroke, heart attack, accident, or major surgery, many people feel like they’ve lost themselves. Their roles change, their independence is altered, and their confidence is shaken. They may look “fine,” but inside, they feel completely different.
We call this post-crisis identity loss, and it often brings a type of grief that isn’t easily named — a grief for the person they used to be. This is what psychologists refer to as ambiguous loss.
One of the most talked-about moments in the workshop was around language. We explored how common phrases like “You’re so lucky” or “You look great!” — while well-intentioned — can unintentionally shut down a person’s truth.
Instead of fixing, we discussed the power of witnessing. Sitting with someone in their discomfort and validating their experience can be far more healing than offering solutions. A simple, “That sounds hard — do you want to tell me more?” can open a door that no pep talk ever could.
Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, we explored the idea that meaning can be found even in the aftermath of suffering. Many clients move from asking “Why me?” to “What now?” — a powerful shift that allows them to regain agency in their lives.
Support workers can gently guide clients toward this reframing by asking:
What still matters to you now?
What legacy are you creating, even in this chapter?
What gives your days meaning, however small?
Another often-ignored truth: recovery doesn’t erase fear. Even after physical healing, many clients live with an ongoing fear of relapse. Night terrors, phantom symptoms, and hypervigilance are common, especially when trauma lives in the body.
We trained participants in how to soothe clients without dismissing them, and how to shift from constant reassurance to helping clients build inner trust. One of the key tools we shared? Grounding techniques.
Grounding brings people back to the present moment when fear or anxiety takes over. We introduced the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding technique, a simple yet powerful tool clients can use anywhere:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
We’ve even created grounding cards for clients to keep in their wallet or by their bedside — a tangible reminder that calm is always within reach.
The takeaway? Recovery is not a straight line — it’s layered, emotional, and deeply personal. As carers and support workers, we’re not just there to help with tasks. We’re there to witness pain, honour grief, and gently help people rediscover their sense of self.
If you or your team would like to bring this training to your organisation, HeartWell offers tailored workshops and resources. Together, we can support people in a way that goes beyond checklists — and speaks to the heart of healing.
Interested in booking this training?
Get in touch with us at admin@heartwell.net.au
Or explore more at heartwell.net.au
