Moving forward (sexual abuse )

Hi @outlander

A couple of weeks ago my MH worker gave me a piece of A4 paper with some cards on it to cut out and keep with me for when I am having a tough moment. I've been meaning to share it with you for a while, just haven't found the right time. Now seems good.

So the idea is called the 'flashback halting protocol' by Babette Rothschild (who I think is sort of great so if you see any of her work or writing I recommend reading it).

It's pretty much the same idea as a lot of the other grounding techniques you know already, though what I love about this one is that the way it was given to me on cards, means I can take one with me almost anywhere.

I found it on pinterest and here is the same as what I have.

It's just a little bigger than a business card.

Keeping one in your purse, stuck somewhere in your car, in the shower (you could get creative and find a way to make it kind of waterproof enough to stick somewhere you might be able to see), under you pillow, as a photo on your phone etc could be useful. There are lots of places this one might come in handy.

There are a few videos and a bit more info about it out there if you're interested and want to google as well.

Just another one to add to the list to try if you'd like (and haven't already) 🙂

Hi @CheerBear

Thanks for sharing this information. I just googled 'flashback halting protocol' and it makes sense to have something that grounds you when in that horrible horrible dissociation state. I was in that state only 2 weeks ago with my childhood abuse.

I can't see your picture that you have put up, I'll wait for it to come up and look back at it.

I am seeing a new psychologist on Monday and apparently she is more experienced with trauma of childhood sexual abuse and DBT. I really hope she can help me because i am sick of changing psychologists. I hate having to repeat myself over and over again.

I feel for you @outlander so much. I do understand what you're going through. I had a similar experience only 2 weeks ago in a session with my psychologist. I dissociated and had horrible horrible flashbacks of one of my sexual abuse. It was so clear and it scared me so much. It took my psychologist over an hour to get me back to the present moment and to be grounded even for me to leave the session. I was so exhausted for ages, i hope to never go through that again. It scared me and made me feel so vulnerable and very very fragile for a few days afterwards.

Hope you are okay now @outlander. Do you have anything next to you ie. pillow something that you can hold tight when this happens.

I do know what you mean by hiding yourself because that's what i do - i hold my head and hide under my blankets or pillow.

hugs to youi my friend @outlander xxxooo

WTF @outlander

how can a therpaist say that!!!!!

I am really angry for you. No way. You have to be ready to talk to a therapist. I don't believe they should force you into talking about past sexual abuse. It is damn hard enough to talk about it let alone being forced into talking.

OMG i am so angry. I don't blame you for not going back. Can you google trauma psychologists/therapists and make an appointment. Or get a referral from your GP.