Glossary | Translating Recovery

False Self(FAWLS SELF): The facade or persona created to survive in a dysfunctional environment. The True Self is a combination of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of who one is at birth. The False Self is the mental and physical traits that are learned through dysfunctional upbringing. Because the False Self is 'mental' it is the creator of survival strategies.
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For many years, I hid behind my False Self to protect my True Self from harm. I learned strategies such as 'if dad is drinking, then shut up, stay hidden', I created the False Self.
Family Hero(FAM-uh-lee HEER-oh): The family member who assumes responsibilities and tries to make everything appear fine. Also known as Hero Child.
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I was the Family Hero, always trying to keep things under control.
Family-of-Origin(FAM-uh-lee uhv OR-ih-jin): The family unit one was born or adopted into, often where dysfunction first occurs.
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In therapy, we often discuss my Family-of-Origin and how their behavior has impacted my adult life.
Fellow Traveler(FEL-oh TRAV-uh-ler): Refers to another individual in ACA. The term emphasizes mutual support and equality in the recovery journey. Unlike traditional hierarchical sponsorship models, the fellow traveler method positions both individuals—whether sponsor and sponsee or co-sponsors—as equals, collaborating to heal from the effects of growing up in dysfunctional families.
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As a Fellow Traveler, Sarah deeply understood and identified with the struggles shared in ACA meetings.
Full Remembrance(FULL rih-MEM-bruhns): Recalling and understanding past experiences and emotions that were often buried, a key step in recovery.
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Through Full Remembrance, I've been able to connect my current behavior to past experiences.