Telling my story...

[byGodslove]

I joined this board to get Christian feedback on this. Five and a half years ago, I was raped. I won't go into details yet, because honestly, I don't think I'm ready. I do have a question though. It has been suggested to me by many family members and close friends that I go to counseling. Have any of you been to counseling for this? Did it help, or just re-trigger all the old feelings? Do you suggest a couselor from your church, or one outside the church? I grew up in my church, so I'm kind of scared to go there...although I love my church, and am not scared at the same time. I just don't want anyone to think less of me. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Criada]

I'm so sorry, sweetie
I have found counseling helpful, and I know that a lot of others have done so too. I personally prefer a councilor outside of the church, simply because I found my experiences very hard to talk about, and it was somehow easier with someone who didn't know me. Even then I had to write things down rather than say them at first.
But if there is someone at your church who is an experienced counsellor and with whom you feel comfortable, that would work too.
No-one who is worth knowing will think any less of you, sweetie... you are a victim, and not to blame for anything that happened.

Praying that you can find the right person to talk to, and that you can heal from this experience sweetie. PM me if you want to talk, any time.

 

[brandon.j]

My cousin, who is like a sister to me, was a rape victim and I was with her though her recovery. Rape can cause real mental harm. Please go see a rape counselor, many of them have been victims themselves and keeping it bottled up is not healthy. Their help let my cousin move on with her life. I've seen what the trauma can do first hand and being a psychology major now I have a bit more insight into trauma's effects. I know you may be scared to tell everything to a stranger but a rape counselor knows you most likely will be. I think they have one of the toughest jobs in mental health services and the few I know are some of the bravest women I've ever met because when they listen to victims they have to deal with their own memories over and over. Please give them a chance.

God Bless, you'll be in my prayers