That mindset makes it easier to blame yourself for the dissolution of a relationship, she adds.

As unique, layered, and nuanced as breakups can be, so goes healing and recovery.

And maybe on other days, you could feel remarkably complacent and accepting of the relationship being over.

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In any case, grieving is a process.

The important thing to remember?

Youre not on any specific timetable for getting to that point.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

trauma-informed psychotherapist

The 5 emotional stages of processing and healing from a breakup

1.

One common reason why?

In any case, the sadness can also show up in plenty of different ways, says Moffa.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

Reflection

As you heal from the breakup, you might gain access to some introspection.

This is where people start to look at their choices and question their patterns, says Moffa.

This phase represents a turning point in the journey to healing your heart and mind, says Moffa.

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Examining your own choices, she says, can ease you into the next step of recovery.

And some forward momentum typically follows.

Acceptance

Acceptance is a state of mind in which youre no longer resisting whats happened, says Moffa.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

trauma-informed psychotherapist

This isnt to say you will no longer feel pain, or sadness, or angeryou still might.

Theres no one right way to embrace this phase, nor is there a timeline for arriving at it.

The only requirement is that it opens a door to life beyond your ex.

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing