I've never been a very open person. It does not matter to me how warm or empathetic you are. Maybe that particular character trait has to do with the secrecy that is inherent in child abuse, particularly sexual abuse. I mention my age simply because it signals to me that half of my (generally accepted) life expectancy is over. In other words, I've lived half my life with this and still have not found an effective way to leave the past in the past. I've always been a big believer in the idea that one's childhood has a profound effect on shaping the person as an adult. That's why I cringe when I hear people say things like "Leave the past in the past" or "Stop blaming your childhood", as if one could just magically erase those events that shaped them into who they are today. I don't have a magic wand. If I did, I would share it with all of you

Ok, rant over!

Thank you for all of your suggestions.

Online therapy sounds like a good choice but I'm betting that insurance coverage won't apply. Anyone got ideas on price?