I had a session last week where I couldn't talk about the triggery thing itself, but T was very skilled at helping me talk about what was getting in the way of talking about it. The sense of connection I felt with him after that, and the moment we shared walking down the hall after therapy together, was a beautiful thing. It actually is my goal to be able to talk about it with him, sitting there, deep in that triggery space. I think that will take the power of the isolation I felt during the abuse itself. I'm not sure if you're saying something different or not, but this is the way I feel.

"Years ago, I woulda done drugs, found a numbskull partner, tried to solve other people's intractable problems (without their consent, mostly). So...progress..."

Yes, indeed. Good progress. Replace "drugs" with "pint of Ben & Jerry's" and those were my coping strategies as well.

I'm glad you're feeling better. It does get better. It is tolerable and I think working through it does move you closer to a permanently better place.

Anne