Comments for Confessions of a Trauma Therapist

Comment on What Do I Say & How Do I React When Someone Discloses CSA? by Mary K. Armstrong (@MaryKArmstrong)

Mary K. Armstrong (@MaryKArmstrong) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Dear Mary: Thank you for your thoughtful comments and for you support of my work. Mary A.

Comment on What Do I Say & How Do I React When Someone Discloses CSA? by Mary Moonen

Mary Moonen — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:05:46 +0000

First of all, I am enjoying reading about you and your work.
When someone confides in me, I agree, staying calm and supportive, because the person who confides is propably highly intune to any facial expressions of shick. dibelief, and rejection. I would also say it depends on the age of the person, as well as their gender becasue there some specific concerns. My first thought is “are they in immediate danger now?”
My other thoughts are about being sure not to push for details, or try to play “detective” as you had mentioned. I agree totally it is NOT my job, and that it doesn’t matter about the chronologicl reporting, or other vague details. Again I concurr that the memories may be hazy. They may have been drugged, or forced to become intoxicated so that they are easier prey.
I specialize in PTSD in my private practice, and also deal with mood disorders and addiciton. Like you, I am becoming more transparent with my clients to reduce the stigma of any mental health issues. Thank You for making such huge contributions to the field of Trauma and Abuse, your work is invaluable.

Comment on Is your mind racing? by Mary K. Armstrong (@MaryKArmstrong)

Mary K. Armstrong (@MaryKArmstrong) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:38:02 +0000

Thanks for telling me about yourself. the way I found to quiet my racing mind was yoga. You can read about that in my book.I don’t know whether yoga is right for you – but in practicing yoga I found I could still my mind for periods of time- maybe just 10 or 20 minutes – but that made life bearable. I thought of it as my oasis of peace. No matter how scared and scattered I felt, I knew I could find that oasis again.

Hope this helps.

I find it’s not much use trying to practice relaxation or mindfulness until you deal with the underlying problem. Closing your eyes to meditate usually just brings a flood of anxiety and mind-frenzy.Whatever “it” is, it doesn’t want you to be at peace.

Comment on Expert on Mental Illness Reveals Her Own Fight by carolyn

carolyn — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:32:15 +0000

Hi Marsha,

Just a note to say thankyou. I am encouraged by your story. Thanx for not giving up and for answers.

Comment on Is your mind racing? by carolyn

carolyn — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:08:26 +0000

Hi there,
I am finding your work so interesting I have to keep reading. Of course trauma applies to my childhood and in more than one way/occasion thruout the years. We were the bootlegger and illegal casino at one time so I find myself desensitized toward it to some degree.

I grew up ADD at least and was diagnosed at 40ish with Depressive Disorder with Panic Attack. I was suicidal at least once a month while I had 3 sons on my own and worked.

I was a test book mental health patient with risk taking behavior, impulse control issues all the while working and numbing myself with pot. At 54 I have no kids at home so can’t say I have no time to do personal work or put myself at the bottom of the list. But I find my mind still racing and denying me a life. Where to go from here?