The Power of Naming & Taming Emotional Wounds

Recently, I attended a summit where a speaker asked a thought-provoking question that has stayed with me: "What are you willing to release and receive to foster your growth?"

This question is deep, as it speaks to how much of our present growth is tied to our past wounds, often from childhood. These unresolved wounds tend to linger, influencing our behaviors, decisions, and even how we show up in the world. They create invisible barriers that limit our ability to fully step into our potential.

This question is deep as it speaks to how much of our present growth is tied to our past wounds (traumas), often from childhood. They tend to show up and shape our actions, choices, and even our presence in the world.

Emotional wounds construct unseen barriers that hinder our ability to fully embrace our potential.

The Exhaustion of the Inner Child

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the child inside of us—the one who experienced these early wounds—is exhausted. This fatigue is not just physical; it's an emotional and mental exhaustion from carrying old pain that was never fully addressed.

Healing that inner child is the key to moving forward.

Personal Journey of Release and Receive

To give an example, one of the biggest releases I’ve experienced is letting go of the fear of not being seen by those I trusted most. I had to let go of the fear of being invisible to those I trusted the most. Growing up, I lived with "pretty" privileged—light-skinned, green-eyed, and perceived as intelligent. But privilege isn't a shield.

While others saw privilege, I often felt pain, feeling unseen and misunderstood.

My release? Acknowledging that wound. I decided to trust myself more.

My receive? I chose to say f*ck them—those who couldn't see me for who I truly am. In doing so, I began to see myself more clearly, and now I'm going bigger in life.

When we let go of these traumas, we create room to receive something new—confidence, peace, or clarity.

Here's the reality: No amount of privilege can heal the pain of trauma. Healing requires naming it because naming it allows us to work towards taming it.

The Prevalence of Wounds in Leadership

If you're a leader, wounds show up daily within your team members. People don’t leave their emotional baggage at home when they come to work, no matter how professional they try to be.

Leaders have a unique opportunity to support their team members in healing and growth, which benefits not only the individuals but the entire organization.

Creating stigma-free spaces for others to name and release their wounds isn’t just good leadership—it’s compassionate leadership.

Your Turn to Release and Receive

Now, I ask you the same question the summit speaker asked me: What will you release to grow? What will you receive in its place?

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Dr. Dominique Pritchett is an organizational wellness strategist, captivating keynote speaker and critical thinking-focused trainer. She earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from Capella University, a master's in social work from the University of Loyola Chicago and a bachelor's degree from Carthage College. Dr. Pritchett supports organizations in preventing fires from burnout through actionable solutions.