Posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 22, 2006, at 22:36:59
In reply to But I don't *want* to have been an abused child!, posted by Racer on March 22, 2006, at 20:20:53
I'm so sorry that you carry the shame for the (sick, illegal, cruel) choices that someone else made. And yes, I strongly believe that this was something that someone DID TO YOU. You were a child and vulnerable. There is no need to take responsibility for such a thing.
You talk abt the importance of taking responsibility. Is this something that you learned in therapy?
Acknowledging the truth is NOT the same thing is making excuses. You would be making excuses if you were trying to use this situation to manipulate others ("Sorry, I can't clean up after the dog b/c I was an abused child"). However, it is extremely relevant to consider childhood experiences in couples counseling.
Try to be gentle with yourself. You do not have to bear the responsibility here.
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:623482
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060312/msgs/623526.html