[doogie]

At my session yesterday, we talked a lot about CSA issues and the adult part of me knowing that things are ok now and safe, etc, but the emotional part of me still being that scared girl and how to get the adult part and the child part to connect. How do you go from knowing things to really feeling/believing them? Thoughts?

[peaches100]

Doogie,

This has been a hard thing for me to figure out also. From what my t has said, it seems that the key is to reach a point where you can access both parts of yourself at the same time: the adult you in the present, who knows that this is 2010 and you are no long in danger -- and the hurt child you, who actually holds the painful emotions and memories about the CSA. When you're able to hold both parts of you together, the adult you can give the hurt child part of you the comfort and reassurance that you are now safe and OK. My difficulty with this is in trying to "feel" both parts of myself at the same time. I tend to always be in the adult frame of mind, unless something triggers me, which then sends me into hurt child mode (and i seem to lose that protective, aware adult part).

Are you able to feel both sides of you present at the same time?

[mixedup_emotions]

I'm pretty lost with that concept myself. I am hoping I get there someday though!

[Yoda]

No answer but wanted to let you know I have had similar experience. After my violent BF died I continued to be afraid he would hurt me for quite a few years after his death.