I need to process the hurt, the anger and the sadness. I need to process the lost innocence, the addition of shame, guilt and fear. I need to get mad, and cry and feel upset. But I need it to be in a healing way. I then want to focus on the good that I have been able to create of such a horrible experience: the skills I've learned, the tenacity and strength to make it through, and still love, empathize and care about others. I want it to end positively. Like in a funeral, you talk about the loss, and grieve, but also talk about the good stories, and parts you wish to remember.

I just want to have an idea of how to go about this, so that I will feel like I've processed it, and am ready to move on, look forward, and not be so caught up in the hurt when I'm around people from my past. I like the idea of burning, but I really want to have my counselor be there as a witness, and I assume they have a no fire policy at the agency.

I've been looking into art therapy for different things, I'm wondering if creating art, or writing letters, or something like that would help me process. And then have the release during t.

Lighting a candle at church would be a great thing, I feel. If I was part of a church, I might decide to do that myself
IJ