In my new book, I not only talk about what I went through, but how I found healing from abuse.
Each person out there has their own path of healing.
Healing abuse and what happens to a person isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
In fact, I don’t believe there is an easy and quick method of healing from abuse. If someone says there is, I’d question that hard!
For me, the beginning days after being paralyzed were about learning how to exist and function in life. Conversion disorder had shaken my life so dramatically, I wasn’t sure how to do the simplest things. Walking, talking, and making it through a day were monumental feats at the time.
Early Therapy
Therapy at the time revolved around me functioning in society, not so much healing from abuse. In the early days, I really wasn’t even aware and conscious of the abuse. It all seemed like a normal part of my day, not something that was horrible.
One of the most difficult things for me has been understanding that what i went through was not normal. While most people would gasp at some of my story, for a long time I did not comprehend that it was anything but normal.
Throughout my journey of healing from abuse, I would go through horrendous stressful moments of life. From almost being fired to bankruptcy and coming within days of being homeless, life was pretty bumpy. I trusted no one in those days and I was burned by many.
Helpful Organizations
Fortunately, I found some helpful organizations and a wonderful therapist in my healing journey. VOICES, which stood for Victims Of Incest Can Emerge Survivors, was a major leap forward for me. My therapist, Emma Wallace, helped me find my way through some of the most difficult parts of my journey.
An online support forum for male survivors called MASSF (Male Abuse Survivor Support Forum) gave me a place to connect with other male survivors. Of course, while there were wonderful parts to this place, there was also heartache and pain.
Healing Abuse Journey
Healing from abuse took me in many different directions. If you would have told me many years ago that I’d be doing some of the things that I have, I would have laughed. Yet, my journey took me from individual to individual that helped heal additional layers.
One such person was Dr. Paul Canali. Meeting him seemed to be by chance, but I’m so glad it happened.
I don’t think it was a coincidence.
He helped me take all the work I had done in counseling and with other organizations so I could apply it to the body.
It was where the healing from abuse found new dimensions and freedom.
Yes, I’ve experienced anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I’ve struggled with jobs and relationships. I struggle with seeing myself at times with much worth. There have been times when the journey of healing from abuse almost was too much for me.
Put One Foot In Front Of The Other
Through all of it, I keep putting one foot in front of the other. I try to rely on others for support when I cannot find my way at that moment.
No matter what, I keep searching and turning over rocks in my path that may hold answers.
Healing abuse is a step-by-step process that is different for each person that has been traumatized.
COMMENTS
You are so eloquent Don. An inspiration.
Thank you so much Laura for the beautiful reply.
Thank you for your courage to heal yourself and to share your journey with others who are looking for answers and ways on their own path.
Thank you so much Natasha. I hope that through my sharing and being open, many will be helped in this world. It is my hope.