Heal The Abuse - Recover Your Life Read Online Free Page B

normal mood, and
could then experience good and bad days just like everyone
else.
    Antidepressants do not make you happy. That
is your responsibility. They simply correct a chemical imbalance in
your brain so you can experience a normal range of emotions.
    Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies.
Healing the pain of sexual abuse requires action. Positive thinking
can help, but it is often not enough. We must demonstrate love for
ourselves by utilizing all of the healing techniques available to
us.
    To begin my list of techniques, I want to
start with counseling. This book is not a replacement for therapy.
Ideally, you would be working to process your issues with a
therapist you see on a weekly basis. Counseling is an ideal
opportunity to discuss your issues with someone who will listen to
you, guide you, and encourage you without judgment. Your
relationship with your therapist can be very helpful. I am a
therapist myself, and I have been to therapy several times in my
life. I hope you give yourself a chance to experience the
therapeutic relationship. Going to counseling does not mean you are
crazy. It just means that you have the courage to do something
about your problems.
    (A note to counselors: I often use this book
with clients who are survivors of sexual abuse. First, I ask the
client to read a chapter on their own and complete the exercises.
In the following therapy session, we take turns reading aloud and
stop frequently to discuss how the material relates to that
client’s personal issues. We finish by discussing their answers to
the process questions or the exercises.)
    If you were sexually abused, you may suffer
from posttraumatic stress disorder. As described by the DSM-IV-TR
(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders),
posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in people who “experienced,
witnessed, or were confronted with an event or events that involved
actual or threatened serious injury, or a threat to the physical
integrity of self or others. The person’s response involved intense
fear, helplessness, or horror.”
    It goes on to say that, “the traumatic event
is persistently re-experienced in one or more of the following
ways: 1. Recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the
event, including images, thoughts, or perceptions. 2. Recurrent
distressing dreams of the event. 3. Acting or feeling as if the
traumatic events were recurring. 4. Intense psychological distress
at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble
an aspect of the traumatic event. 5. Physiological reactivity on
exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an
aspect of the traumatic event.”
    It says that there are, “Persistent symptoms
of increased arousal, as indicated by two or more of the following:
1. Difficulty falling or staying asleep. 2. Irritability or
outbursts of anger. 3. Difficulty concentrating. 4.
Hyper-vigilance. 5. Exaggerated startle response.”
    I, like many of you, have experienced
flashbacks to the abuse. There is a new technique available to
people who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder called Eye
Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming (EMDR). There are
trained therapists who utilize in this technique, which works by
synchronizing the left and right hemispheres of the brain. EMDR
often results in a reduction in the frequency and intensity of
flashbacks.
    Another healing technique I found to be
helpful was acupuncture. When I was feeling very emotional or
traumatized, I took full advantage of the free acupuncture that was
offered to the employees where I worked. Acupuncture was a part of
the recovery program for alcoholics and addicts, as it has been
shown to significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when
addicts are attempting to get sober. It also reduces stress.
    Deep relaxation is another excellent way to
relieve anxiety. I often spend an hour in the evening listening to
relaxing music. I use candles for mood lighting, and do