Oooohhhh! ((((((((((((((((((((safe hug)))))))))))))))))))))))

Can you hold an impromptu group meeting and have an adult let everyone know that you really are safe? I have done this before and it helped. I also went around and showed the littles that the house is locked up safely, that we have the emergency phone numbers written down, and that, most importantly, there are quite a few grown-ups in the body who are capable of keeping everyone in the body safe, either by standing up for us or by calling for help.

You are strong and made it through so much. I know that contact with the father must be really shattering when you weren't expecting it. Do you have caller id? If so, use it to avoid another phone call. You can be in control of the contact, at least to some degree. See if your therapist is willing to be the contact person for the father from now on so that any message that needs to get to you can come through the T.

For tonight, repeat calming messages "I'm safe now, I'm an adult now, I'm in control now", remember to breathe and try to practice good self-care. Eat something healthy to nourish your body. Read a favorite book again. Go watch a feel good, non-triggering movie. Wrap up in a soft blanket and drink some warm tea or decaf coffee or hot chocolate. Turn on every light in the house if that makes you feel better. Keep talking to friends here at PC. What else can we do to help?

Elizabeth