Recovery isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey filled with progress, setbacks and powerful moments of growth. But if you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I know what I’m supposed to do, but I just can’t do it,” you’ve likely hit a stuck point. 

Stuck points are mental or emotional roadblocks that keep you from moving forward in your recovery. They’re common in trauma recovery, addiction treatment and mental health work—and they can be incredibly frustrating. But the good news? You can get unstuck. 

What Are Stuck Points? 

Stuck points are rigid, negative beliefs that form after trauma, addiction or difficult life experiences. These beliefs keep you trapped in cycles of guilt, shame, fear or hopelessness. They often sound like “truths,” but they’re usually distorted by pain and past experiences. 

In therapy, especially cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or trauma-informed care, stuck points are identified and challenged so you can replace them with more balanced and helpful thoughts. 

Common Examples of Stuck Points in Recovery 

Everyone’s recovery is different, but here are some typical stuck points people struggle with during addiction or mental health treatment: 

1. “I don’t deserve to get better.” 

This is a classic stuck point rooted in shame or trauma. You may feel like you’ve caused too much harm or made too many mistakes to be worthy of healing. 

2. “If I ask for help, I’m weak.” 

Independence is often worn like a badge of honor—but in recovery, it can become a barrier. Real strength is in knowing when you need support and reaching out for it. 

3. “I’ll never change.” 

If you’ve relapsed before or struggled with long-term patterns, you might start believing that change is impossible. This belief can keep you from even trying. 

4. “Feeling emotions means I’m out of control.” 

Many people in recovery fear their feelings, especially if emotions were numbed through substances for years. But feeling is part of healing—it doesn’t mean you’re failing. 

5. “I have to do everything perfectly now.” 

Perfectionism is sneaky. You may feel pressure to recover “the right way” or to never mess up again, which can lead to shame when you hit normal setbacks. 

6. “My trauma was my fault.” 

For those healing from trauma, one of the most damaging stuck points is the belief that you caused your own pain. Therapy helps reframe these thoughts with compassion and truth. 

How to Get Unstuck in Recovery 

The key to overcoming stuck points is recognizing that thoughts aren’t facts—and you can learn to challenge and change them. Here’s how: 

• Work with a therapist: Therapies like CPT, CBT and EMDR can help you identify and reframe stuck points. You don’t have to do this alone. 

• Practice mindfulness: Being present with your thoughts without judgment helps you notice harmful patterns as they arise. 

• Use journaling prompts: Writing can uncover hidden stuck points. Try prompts like “What belief keeps coming up when I feel triggered?” or “What do I think this situation says about me?” 

• Talk it out: Sharing your thoughts in a safe recovery space or group setting helps reduce shame and gain perspective. 

• Be patient with yourself: Getting stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s a normal part of healing—and a chance to grow stronger. 

Let Us Help You Move Forward 

At Tapestry in Brevard, North Carolina, we understand that stuck points can make you feel like you’re going in circles. Our trauma-informed, evidence-based programs are designed to help you identify, explore and release these blocks—so you can move forward with confidence. 

Whether you’re dealing with trauma, substance use or mental health challenges, we’re here to help you shift the beliefs that no longer serve you and build a new, empowered perspective. 

 Ready to get unstuck? Contact us today to learn how we can support your healing journey.