Abreacting

/ˌæbrɪˈæktɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The ongoing process of releasing repressed emotions or trauma through therapeutic talking or acting out.

Etymology

Present participle of 'abreact,' from Latin 'ab-' (away) + 'reactus' (acted), describing the active process of emotional release.

Kelly Says

You can observe someone actively abreacting in therapy by their physical reactions—tears, trembling, loud breathing—because the body keeps score of trauma and finally expressing it requires the full system to participate.

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