Old Therapist/New Therapist
Hi guys - I have just concluded a rather monumental transition. My wife, daughter and I moved from one state to another about 6 months ago. The therapist I'd been working with in the old state was absolutely wonderful. We seemed custom-made for eachother. She agreed that that depth of the work we accomplished together was astounding, and she's been in the field, specializing in child sex abuse for thirty years. I was extremely fortunate to have been referred to her and that she was able and willing to take me on as a client. Even with all of that time under her belt, she was regularly moved by me, my story and my determination to work through everything.
Well, yesterday was my final, official meeting with her. I'd been making a 400 mile round-trip to see her every other week. Something had to change. The panic attacks, CPTSD and anxiety during the rides was just too much, despite the rewards I got by seeing her. So I found a new therapist much closer to where home is now. I like her. My old therapist talked to her and likes her.
It was a very difficult, highly emotional final meeting. We both cried, several times. She gave me a farewell gift, a book called There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer...very cute, very fitting. She helped me bring the nightmare out of the closet and confront it. She gave me the unconditional caring and love that my mother deprived me of. She never judged me, regardless of how much I detested myself and my behavior. She found the things I hated about myself endearing and moving. She took a broken boy in the form of a broken man and helped put me back together. It hurts very much that I won't be working with her anymore. She too is a survivor of SA and she does wonders for the people who come to her for help. I guess this is sort of my tribute to her.
So, a new page, a new chapter, more growth. My old therapist will be there if I ever need her. There is comfort in that. And we've promised to keep in touch as time goes on. She has become a HUGE part of my life, my healing, my recovery, my re-birth. I only wish everyone could have the same experience I had....just thought I'd share this major change in my life and the monumental experience that she termed "Beyond words", it truly was. Peace to All - John
Well, yesterday was my final, official meeting with her. I'd been making a 400 mile round-trip to see her every other week. Something had to change. The panic attacks, CPTSD and anxiety during the rides was just too much, despite the rewards I got by seeing her. So I found a new therapist much closer to where home is now. I like her. My old therapist talked to her and likes her.
It was a very difficult, highly emotional final meeting. We both cried, several times. She gave me a farewell gift, a book called There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer...very cute, very fitting. She helped me bring the nightmare out of the closet and confront it. She gave me the unconditional caring and love that my mother deprived me of. She never judged me, regardless of how much I detested myself and my behavior. She found the things I hated about myself endearing and moving. She took a broken boy in the form of a broken man and helped put me back together. It hurts very much that I won't be working with her anymore. She too is a survivor of SA and she does wonders for the people who come to her for help. I guess this is sort of my tribute to her.
So, a new page, a new chapter, more growth. My old therapist will be there if I ever need her. There is comfort in that. And we've promised to keep in touch as time goes on. She has become a HUGE part of my life, my healing, my recovery, my re-birth. I only wish everyone could have the same experience I had....just thought I'd share this major change in my life and the monumental experience that she termed "Beyond words", it truly was. Peace to All - John
