For victims of sexual abuse, proper mental health support is a major component of healing from past trauma. However, many people find it extremely difficult to discuss this subject with anyone, including mental health professionals. You deserve to live a life free of anxiety and unhappiness, and it's possible with the assistance of a compassionate therapist. Here are a few ways you can make the process a little easier.
3 Tips for Discussing Past Abuse With a Counselor
1. Research Grounding Techniques
Stress and anxiety can become overwhelming when you're talking about something that makes you uncomfortable. Remaining in the present moment can help quell some of these feelings, which is the purpose of grounding techniques.
The goal is to "ground" yourself by performing certain actions or maneuvers. Some people find that breathing deeply helps, while others pick up and hold a nearby object to elicit a tactile response. Experiment with different grounding actions until you find one that works for you during a session.
2. Write Down Your Feelings in a Journal
Journaling is a way to express your feelings in a safe, controlled manner. It's also helpful for practicing what you'd like to say before a tough discussion ever takes place. In privacy, you can write down your thoughts about the abuse you experienced, how you feel about it now, and why you're so afraid to discuss it with others.
Feel free to express as much or as little as you like when writing. When you're finished, you can take the journal to therapy and read directly from it. You can also just keep it with you as a guide for the discussion.
3. Practice Speaking in Front of a Mirror
If you've never disclosed your abuse before, just the thought of discussing it with another person can cause stress. Practicing in front of a mirror can gradually get you used to the idea without actually taking the leap. It's best to tell the story a few times to get acclimated to your thoughts and feelings as you tell it, as this will prepare you for how you'll feel during the therapy session.