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JimK's Journal

New Hope

Monday, July 21, 2008 | A Positive story

Monday, July 21, 2008 – 6:50 P.M.

My sister (Alice) and I had a very good session with my therapist (Dale) at the mental health clinic today. I now believe that Alice understands how important it is for me to have close family ties. I am sure that both Alice and Dale realize that I am having a great deal of emotional pain because my brother (Lee) and I are no longer close to one another.

Our conversations covered a wide range of topics. When I finally found the nerve to let Alice know the extent of the sexual abuse I received from our mother, I thought she was going to go through the roof! She said if she and her husband had known about that at the time it was happening, they would have gotten me away from mother right away.

I said I had told our brother about the abuse twice, and that Lee believed me the first time, but not the second time I told him. Dale said that Lee might have been in denial at the time because of any part he may have had in my abuse.

At one point, I finally admitted that I thought I had been responsible for my own abuse. This did not go over well with either Dale or Alice. Both of them said I was not to blame.

Alice said that Lee was no longer the kind person he was when all of us had been growing up. She said that she believed he changed when he got married.

Dale said he wanted to have two more sessions with me alone, and after that, he wanted Alice to join us for another two sessions. She agreed to do that. He also said that at some point, he wanted Lee to join us. I flatly refused to ask Lee, but both Alice and Dale said they would handle that.

According to Dale, he had two primary concerns with me: stopping my alcohol and substance abuse, and helping me get rid of my depression as much as possible no matter how long it took.

I came away from the session feeling much better than I had in a long time.

Quotes for Success:

“I believe that the true road to preeminent success in any line is to make yourself master of that line.”

Andrew Carnegie

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Comments

"Both of them said I was not to blame."

ECHO IN HERE?????

This is HUGE for you Jim... good huge. There may still be slippery back and forths with your mood, but you will be able to move forward so much more easily now.

I am so proud of and happy for you. *snif* :...)

Hugs and Mojo Jim...bunches...
Weebs

KweebsLS
Yes, there is a BIG ECHO in here. I wonder who caused that?

The therapist said he doesn't expect me to believe what they said right away, but he intends to keep working on this with me.

JimK
Jim, I am also proud of you for the steps you have taken. It may still seem like an uphill battle but in time you will feel the release of things and you will find that the hill is not as steep as you once felt. Hang in there and keep taking those forward steps.

brat3
Wow! I seriously thought your sister would drop you afterwards. I don't know why. I guess I just didn't trust her.

I am still amazed by your courage, Jim. You inspire me with your objectivity and your courage.

Samadian
Sounds loke things went well, I'm happy for you hugs-Stephanie

CoolGal
I am glad to hear that things went so well for you. that is really great. I am glad your family is sticking with you through this, that means alot

insomniatonite
I am feeling much better today. Not only are my Daily Strength friends helping me, but both my brother and sister are giving me support as well! I know that I still have a long way to go, but I no longer feel as though no one cares about me, and that helps tremendously.

JimK
JIM YOU ARE NEW TO OUR GROUP(DEAF) AND i ALWAYS TRY TO GET TO KNOW EACH PERSON SO I WILL KNOW WHERE I CAN HELP, IM NOT A THEREPIST IM JUST ANOTHER YOU, AND YOUR STORY REEALLY TOUCHED MY HEART, IM SO GLAD YOU HAVE FREINDS AND FAMILY NOW AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE US ON DS,I REALLY WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD. MOST PEOPLE WHEN YOU SEE THEM IN A GROUP OF ITS FOR BEING DEAF "NO" WE ALWAYS HAVE ANOTHER AILMENT ALSO, I WLD LIKE TO BE YOUR FRIEND ANYTIME YOU WANT TO TALK TO AN OUTSIDER TO BOUNCE AN IDEA OFF OF ANYTHING IM HERE FOR YOU,LOVE DEBY

DebyDavis
Things are going well right now, and I am cautiously optimistic that they will continue this way.

Deby, Thanks for the welcome to your group.

JimK