My therapist said to look at a picture of myself when I was a child to really see who I am, that innocence, that little girl who was needing love, and did not get it. But there was so much chaos, violence etc, that I truly don't remember most of my childhood, and, I can't really SEE me ...even looking at this picture of me at one years old. I feel so much kindness, patience, and love for all children I've nannied or as a teacher...yet I feel so numb that I cant feel anything looking at this picture.
I'm supposed to find empathy for that little girl who was mocked or degraded daily, even as a Toddler, but I cant feel anything 😢 How can I try to heal this?
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Something i find disturbing about the therapist wanting you to connect with the inner child ,they didn't warn you that actually doing that means feeling all her pain ,something that can be damaging if you're not prepared for it .
@kodiac That's true, it's a LOT of inner grief, shame, fear etc. to unpack from the inner child. My sisters therapist minimized her experience by saying Just get over it..I was shocked to hear that. And mine defended my. Dad saying " how could he have helped you, he was under her abuse too"... Well, he might have at least acknowledged the abuse and not laugh at me when I cried. I don't think these therapists TRULY understand extensive severe abuse. Side note, I love my late dad very much he did have a good heart , but that's something I have huge issue with, a parent dismissing the other parents monstrosity.
