Coping with Traumatic Memories Of Sexual Abuse - Coping with Memories Of Abuse

StarsGirl9: Is there any way to deal with flashbacks while in the middle of the day, say, if something is triggering them at work?

Dr. Karen: One of the techniques I teach my patients is to fix your eyes on a focal point, put your feet on the ground and take three deep breaths and focus on something pleasant. Another thing I require my patients to do is write a list of 50 positive affirmations and recite this list FIVE times a day in front of a mirror for 6 months. An example of a positive affirmation would be: I am creative for me, or I am intelligent for me, I am sober and focused for me, I am talented for me, I am loving to me for me, etc. It is important that NO negative statements are part of this list. The objective is to reprogram the negative abuser values with new values, which are unique and special for you. Remember, one bad apple can spoil a whole bunch and one negative comment can ruin all the 49 positive affirmations.

David: Sometimes, Dr. Karen, the intensity and constant reappearance of the traumatic memories and feelings associated with the sexual abuse can be very tough to live with. With that in mind, here's the next question:

angeleyes: What is the best course of action when one is suicidal? What do you do with your patients?

Dr. Karen: I have been fortunate enough to have established a good enough relationship with patients early on, so when they become suicidal, I make them contract that they will call instead of follow through. Since I am in private practice, I make it a policy to be available by phone when necessary and expect patients to reach out when in crisis. This provides a great opportunity for them to learn how to trust. Don't be afraid to ask your therapist what their policy is about emergency phone contacts. The bottom line is (in good humor of course) I tell them, " I value working with you but I can't work with a corpse." This is hard work and we can wade through this difficult time if you're committed to the process. I also tell them, "you have survived this long. Your life is a gift. God isn't done with you yet." Folks, recovery is hard work and there are no easy answers. Having been a victim of ANY kind of trauma is a tragedy and it takes time to work through the issues.

David: I noticed some first-time visitors in the audience tonight. Welcome to HealthyPlace.com and I hope you will continue to come back. Here's the link to the HealthyPlace.com Abuse Issues Community. You can click on this link and sign up for the mail list at the top of the page so you can keep up with events like this.

I want to thank Dr. Karen for joining us tonight. It's been very informative and I hope everyone found it helpful.

Again, thank you for coming and staying late to answer questions, Dr. Karen. And I want to thank everyone in the audience for coming and participating. I hope you found it helpful.

Dr. Karen: I was honored to participate. God bless.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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