compassionate stance towards his wounds and self-defeating behavior is what made this experience work for Rick. He says, "I think the most healing event for me was the ongoing consistent experience of being heard and received with understanding and compassion." Second, the participants valued the proven competencies and earned trust that their therapists were able to demonstrate. Cory's discourse shows that when he experienced the effectiveness of his therapist facilitating a conflict resolution he began to trust him. His trust for his therapist grew as he experienced greater degrees of his therapist’s competencies. Robert noticed that the therapists were able to speak truthfully about themselves and they were able to facilitate trusting, loving, respectful relationships. Dean says, "Therapy was good because I was able to unburden myself and felt cared for. I found acceptance and encouragement that I was not alone." As Rick worked with his therapists and trainers he realized that they knew something about how to help heal. They also were able to communicate their own vulnerability. “There was also a pretty consistent feeling in the group of we are all in this together.” Process of Recovery Pattern 4: Facilitation of Emotional Expression While Processing Memories of the Injury The facilitation of emotional expression and experiencing memories of the injury are a pattern of recovery that occurred after becoming aware of the injury and establishing the therapeutic relationship. Participants described releasing the intensity of the emotions, expressing
and processing anger, rage, sadness, confusion, and disgust. As well as emotions like wonder, awe, love, and gratitude also were expressed.