Introducing the Ladder of Healing…
The Ladder of Healing: Where Are You on Your Healing Journey?
Healing is a journey, and like all journeys, it helps to know where you are. The Head Trash™ Ladder of Healing is a simple framework that maps out the stages of personal growth and emotional healing.
This concept was first introduced in my book, Clear Your Head Trash, after noticing clear patterns in the challenges my clients faced. Over the years, I’ve come to know these stages intimately, and they’re a fantastic tool for guiding you — or your clients — through the healing or perssonal growth process.
The Ladder of Healing has five key stages:
- Conker
- Washing Ball
- Bouncy Ball
- Snooker Ball
- Glitter Ball
Each stage represents a step forward on the healing journey.
From the grounded Conker at the base of the ladder to the radiant Glitter Ball at the top, this model offers clarity about where you are and what you need to focus on.
Why Knowing Your Stage Matters
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re on a healing journey. Knowing where you are on the Ladder of Healing can help by:
- Providing clarity: Understand what’s holding you back and where to focus your energy.
- Reducing overwhelm: Identify the specific challenges of your stage so you don’t waste time on what’s not relevant right now.
- Empowering progress: Tailor your healing approach to what works best for your stage.
No matter where you are, it’s important to remember that healing isn’t a race. Each stage has its own challenges, but also its own unique growth opportunities.
Want to find out which stage you’re at?
Glitter Balls
Glitter Balls shine brightly and are the life and soul of any party. They’ve mastered self-sabotage and live in alignment with their purpose and values.
Traits of a Glitter Ball:
- Reflects others’ gifts and inspires those around them.
- Possesses high levels of energy and self-belief.
- Life flows with ease, and they achieve success seemingly effortlessly.
Healing here is less about clearing wounds and more about maintaining balance and continuing to grow as a leader and light in the world.
Snooker Balls
Snooker Balls are more grounded and reliable. They’ve found purpose and are beginning to create positive impact in their lives and others’.
Traits of a Snooker Ball:
- Cheerful and calm, with a strong sense of meaning and direction.
- Attracts others who seek guidance and support.
- Still struggles occasionally with self-sabotage, slipping into old patterns.
Snooker Balls are working to clear those final layers of self-sabotage and build consistency in their emotional and personal growth.
Bouncy Balls
Bouncy Balls are brighter and more energetic than Washing Balls, but their emotional inconsistency can still hold them back.
Traits of a Bouncy Ball:
- Shows curiosity about stepping outside their comfort zone but struggles with fear of failure.
- Has more mental focus and energy, needing less external stimulation (like caffeine).
- Can be emotionally unpredictable, flying off the handle at times.
Healing at this stage is about building emotional stability and developing resilience to step into their potential.
Washing Balls
Washing Balls are a step up from Conkers but still face repetitive struggles that can feel like a rinse-and-repeat cycle.
Traits of a Washing Ball:
- Less prickly but still struggles with anxiety and stress.
- Tends to repeat the same unhelpful patterns in life and relationships.
- Often tired and reliant on caffeine to get through the day.
- Finds it hard to stick to healthy habits due to self-sabotage and lack of persistence.
Healing at this stage involves breaking free from repetitive cycles and finding tools to build self-belief and confidence.
Conkers
Conkers are at the base of the ladder, and like the prickly shell of a chestnut, they tend to be emotionally sensitive and easily triggered.
Traits of a Conker:
- Struggles with anxiety, depressive episodes, and feeling withdrawn.
- Easily distracted, with difficulty focusing and trouble sleeping.
- Prone to conflict or friction in relationships due to being easily triggered.
- Wrestles with guilt, fear of rejection, and feelings of judgment.
Conkers are often carrying a lot of emotional wounds, and their healing journey begins with addressing these tender areas with care and compassion.
What’s Your Stage? Take the Quiz to Find Out!
Knowing your stage on the Ladder of Healing is the first step to unlocking your next level of growth.
Wherever you are, remember: every step forward is progress. Healing isn’t about rushing to the top of the ladder; it’s about embracing the process and giving yourself what you need at each stage.
Ready to start your journey?
Wherever you are, remember: every step forward is progress. Healing isn’t about rushing to the top of the ladder; it’s about embracing the process and giving yourself what you need at each stage.
Ready to start your journey?