Introduction

[PeriwinkleNotebook]

It was recent and somewhat accidental that I read, "The Body Keeps The Score". What an eye-opening book. It was the first time I learned that childhood trauma is a real thing, it has a name, and there are resources to help with the resulting issues that have followed me throughout my life.  But just as important, I no longer feel alone in it.

I did on and off 'talk' therapy (mostly off) over the past 35 years for anxiety and depression. Knowing what I know now, it's not a surprise that it wasn't helpful for this. I doubt they were trauma-informed therapists, and I didn't have the awareness to look for that.

Given that lack of awareness, I've rarely discussed my childhood experiences with friends. I now wonder if any of them had similar experiences and kept it to themselves as well. This new-found awareness has certainly helped me to look at myself and others with more compassion.

I recently found a therapist who is keen on IFS. It's great that a lot of people find it helpful, but I'm having a hard time grasping and holding the idea of separately named 'parts' in my head without skeptically raising an eyebrow, so we'll see where that goes.

I'm glad to be here among peers and look forward to learning more and being supportive where I can. Thanks to everyone for being here.

[Kizzie]

Hi Periwinkle and a warm welcome to Out of the Storm 

I followed the same basic path as you - went to talk therapy for anxiety and depression for years until I discovered CPTSD through a book (Pete Walker's CPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving). It was such a relief but overwhelming at the same time. The thing that really helped was knowing I was not alone.

I haven't done IFS but a lot of people here have so no doubt you will get a few response posts about it. It may be that it's just not for you. Personally I found CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) wasn't helpful, but EMDR was. Each to their own.


I hope being here helps in your recovery as it has for me and many others 

[PeriwinkleNotebook]

Thanks, Kizzie.  I found the book you mentioned by Pete Walker to be super-informative as well, and I like that he also has suggestions for healing.  Yeah, I've read about EMDR and it might be a better option for me.  We'll see 

[Alexandra]

Hello PeriwinkleNotebook ; Welcome ,you are not alone. I find that for me ,there are two parts to child abuse,which leads to CPTSD  the emotional, and the physical , I have found talk therapy, helpful, with understanding what I went through , building up my self-esteem, and feeling self confident, in taking good care of myself etc.  , on the other hand, there are the physical, consequences, I only have to look to see the scars , on my body ,then there are the physical scars , such as ,brain development ,and changes due to the abuse , leading to flash backs, nightmares, etc. , I find it a major challenge to live with what I have been through. I sympathize , with what you ,are dealing with . Alexandra

[PeriwinkleNotebook]

Thanks for your support, Alexandra.  You make a great point about talk therapy being helpful for things such as self-esteem, confidence, and self-care.