How the Ladder of Healing can help you

The Ladder of Healing is something that I’ve come up with that I now use a lot to help me guide my clients’ healing journey. I want to share it with you because I think it can help you too.

What is the Head Trash Ladder of Healing?

So, what is the Head Trash Ladder of Healing, you ask? Well, it’s a model that can help us to better understand our mental and emotional health. Our well-being exists on a spectrum, and we all move back and forth on that spectrum throughout our lives.

I introduced the Ladder of Healing in this blog: The Ladder of Healing

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to emotional and mental health, but knowing where we are on this can be really helpful. Especially if we want to feel better and improve ourselves.

The spectrum between great and poor mental health

At one end, we have great mental and emotional health. This is where we feel happy, content, and at peace with ourselves and the world around us. We’re able to manage stress, cope with challenges, and enjoy life. We might not be perfect, but we’re doing pretty well, and might actually be nailing life big time.

On the other end, we have poor mental and emotional health. This is where we feel sad, anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. We might struggle to get out of bed in the morning, lose interest in things we used to enjoy, and find it hard to connect with others. We might also experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension.

There are key states in between

Now, here’s the cool part: the Ladder of Healing doesn’t just have two endpoints. In between good and poor mental health, there’s a whole range of states we can experience. I’ve identified 5 key states: Conker, Washing Ball, Bouncy Ball, Snooker Ball and Glitter Ball.

For example, we might be feeling a little down one day but still able to function, or we might be struggling with anxiety but have moments of joy and happiness. The Ladder of Healing allows us to identify and acknowledge these in-between states and then to see what action we can take to feel better.

How can it be useful?

So, how can the Ladder of Healing be useful for our mental and emotional health? Well, for starters, it helps us recognise that our emotional wellbeing is a dynamic and ever-changing aspect of our lives. We don’t have to be stuck in a state of poor mental health forever. By identifying where we are on the Ladder, we can take steps to climb the Ladder.

We can better understand the various emotional and mental states

The Ladder of Healing also helps us break down the stigma surrounding mental and emotional health. It’s not a black-and-white issue where you’re either “normal” or “crazy.” We all experience mental and emotional health in different ways, and that’s okay.

It helps us to treat others with compassion

By acknowledging and accepting the spectrum of mental and emotional health, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society.

One day you might wake up feeling totally rubbish and you tell your BFF colleague at work when you get in that you’re feeling like a bit of Conker today. Immediately they know where you’re at and can take that into account.

The thing to bear in mind is that one state is not better or worse than any other. They are not judgements. We all experience all of these states throughout our lives. It’s just that we might spend most of our time in one. And knowing where other people are can help us to feel more compassionate towards them and offer the support they might need.

We get to take control of our wellbeing

Finally, the Ladder of Healing empowers us to take control of our mental health. It’s not something that happens to us; it’s something we can actively work on.

By recognising where we are on the Ladder, we can identify the actions we need to take to move climb the ladder. This might include seeking professional help, doing inner work, practicing self-care, or connecting with others.

So, there you have it: the Ladder of Healing in all its fun, edgy glory. Remember, mental and emotional health is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By understanding and embracing the Ladder of Healing, we can all take steps towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Where are you on the Ladder?

I’ve created a quiz that will tell you just that!

Just answer 15 questions and you can find out the BALL type that represents where you spend most of your time. And if you choose to sign up, then I share with you more about your BALL profile and what you can do to help you to climb the ladder

Head over here to take the quiz.

Alexia Leachman
Follow me
Latest posts by Alexia Leachman (see all)