Posted by daisym on July 7, 2004, at 23:55:47
In reply to Re: Checking in » gardenergirl, posted by B2chica on July 7, 2004, at 11:20:19
B2C,
You are doing the hard work that needs to be done. You have been very brave and I am so proud that you could talk to your therapist about all this.
Please remember that everyone's experience is different. You are not "stuck" with these flashbacks forever. It is true that they will surface uninvited. But it is also true that if you allow yourself to feel the feelings, grieve what happened, essentially "deal with it" they will calm down. That doesn't mean you forget them. And you can be triggered. But the intensity eases off so it isn't so overwhelming.
I'm sorry to say that there is no way to turn these painful memories into happy ones. They will always be painful and sad. But it is the amount of pain and how pervasive the sadness is that gets better.
And as far as the cutting goes, your Therapist is most likely concerned about your health and safety. It is a behavior that is serving a purpose and needs to be replaced gradually when you are ready.
Take is slow. This is a hard time, when you are letting it all out finally. Be nice to yourself. Be as honest as you can with your Therapist. It is the only way to get through it all.
poster:daisym
thread:362707
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040703/msgs/363909.html