What Is Post-Traumatic Growth? Real Recovery After PTSD

Ever Heard of Post-Traumatic Growth?

We all know trauma can leave deep emotional scars, right? But here’s something not everyone talks about: sometimes, those who’ve faced life-shattering events don’t just heal—they transform. Welcome to the world of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), where recovery isn’t just about getting back to “normal”—it’s about becoming someone stronger, more connected, and even more inspired than before.

So, what exactly is post-traumatic growth? How does it differ from PTSD recovery? And—let’s be real—is it actually possible to grow from trauma?

Buckle up, because we’re diving into the real, raw, and incredibly powerful journey of PTG.

What Is Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)?

Coined in the mid-1990s by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun, Post-Traumatic Growth is the positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances.

In plain English? It’s when you go through hell—and come out the other side not just alive, but thriving.

It’s not about the trauma being “worth it” or romanticizing suffering. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that in the process of healing, some people discover new perspectives, deeper meaning, and emotional resilience they didn’t have before.

Quick PTG vs. PTSD Breakdown:

The Five Domains of Post-Traumatic Growth

According to Tedeschi and Calhoun, PTG shows up in five core areas:

1. Appreciation of Life
   Survivors often develop a newfound gratitude for the little things: sunshine, laughter, a quiet cup of coffee.
2. Relating to Others
   Trauma can strengthen empathy and deepen emotional bonds, making relationships more meaningful.
3. Personal Strength
   The realization of “If I got through that, I can get through anything” builds rock-solid inner strength.
4. New Possibilities
   Life after trauma might inspire career changes, new hobbies, or a total shift in direction.
5. Spiritual Change
   For some, trauma sparks a deeper spiritual connection or philosophical insight.

What Triggers Post-Traumatic Growth?

Not everyone who goes through trauma will experience PTG—and that’s OK. But certain factors do make it more likely:

• Social support
  Talking things out, feeling heard, and being part of a caring community is huge.
• Mindset and cognitive processing
  Actively thinking through the trauma, instead of suppressing it, allows meaning to emerge.
• Time
  PTG doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow and deeply personal journey.
• Openness to experience
  People who are naturally more open to exploring emotions and ideas tend to report higher growth.

Real-Life Stories of Post-Traumatic Growth

“My trauma nearly destroyed me… but it also woke me up to what really matters.”

– Sasha, abuse survivor and advocate

After years in an abusive relationship, Sasha found herself spiraling in PTSD. But through therapy and joining a support group, she began to speak out—eventually starting a nonprofit for other survivors. “I didn’t get my old life back,” she says. “I got a better one.”

“Coming back from deployment, I felt broken. But over time, I found purpose in helping other vets heal.”

– James, Iraq war veteran

James struggled for years with PTSD after returning home. It wasn’t until he started mentoring fellow veterans and openly sharing his story that he felt like he was really healing. Now he’s a certified peer counselor.

Watch: Jesse Kove & Chris Scallon on Post-Traumatic Growth

Sometimes, the most impactful insights come not from textbooks—but from people who’ve lived it.

In this short clip from the After Action Podcast, Chris Scallon, a veteran and retired police sergeant, joins Jesse Kove to talk about how post-traumatic growth isn’t just possible—it’s a path worth walking.

“You have to go through the darkness to get to the light. If you don’t deal with your trauma, it’ll keep driving. But when you face it, that’s when you grow.”
– Chris Scallon

Wanna hear more of this real talk?
👉 Watch the full episode of the After Action Podcast here.

This is real talk from real warriors—about pain, healing, and choosing to grow.

How to Foster Post-Traumatic Growth

Ready to nudge the needle toward growth in your own healing journey—or help someone else do the same? Here’s where to start:

1. Therapy (Especially Trauma-Informed Care)

Find a therapist trained in modalities like EMDR, CPT, or narrative therapy. They can help you safely explore your trauma and start finding meaning.

2. Reflective Journaling

Writing down your thoughts, fears, and progress helps clarify what you’re feeling and uncover insights.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation

Practices like breathwork and guided meditation reconnect you with your body and inner peace.

4. Community Support

Peer groups, whether online or in-person, remind you that you’re not alone—and healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation.

5. Pursue Purpose

Volunteering, advocacy, or creative work can channel pain into something powerfully positive.

Post-Traumatic Growth Isn’t Always Linear

Let’s bust a myth here: Growth doesn’t mean you’re “over it.” Many people who experience PTG still live with symptoms of PTSD.

You can be healing and hurting at the same time. You can have nightmares one night and experience clarity the next. And that’s perfectly normal.

What the Research Says

Here’s a quick snapshot of what science is finding about PTG:

• A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that over 50% of trauma survivors report some form of growth, especially with strong emotional support.
• According to the American Psychological Association, PTG is most commonly seen after life-altering events like cancer diagnoses, combat, abuse, and natural disasters.
• Neuroscientific research shows that trauma can rewire the brain, but healing experiences like meditation and social connection can rebuild those neural pathways in empowering ways.

FAQs About Post-Traumatic Growth

Wrapping It All Up: Healing Is Messy—and Beautiful

So, what’s the big takeaway? Post-Traumatic Growth doesn’t erase the trauma—but it redefines the story. It’s not a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply human. But it’s also a reminder that from the ashes, something new—sometimes even beautiful—can rise.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or on the other side, remember this: You are not broken. You are becoming.

Helpful Resources

• Posttraumatic Growth Research Group – UNC Charlotte
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• National Center for PTSD