[sittingatwatersedge]

from a recent post on another thread >> I bought the workbook and was determined to really make an effort with it whilst I am waiting for therapy to start. Faced with this question it has thrown a huge blockage and I can't get passed it. Each time I take up the book and think of an answer I wonder away my brain refuses to stay on topic. I can not think of a single time I felt safe, I hate the authors for putting this as the first question it is cruel

I wonder if it's a good idea to start on the workbook before you get into therapy. I can only speak for myself, but T2 spent many weeks with me working on safety and coping strategies and resources I need for when things get tough - at the time I felt it was time wasted but today I am SO grateful that she did that; I don't think I would have gotten as much of it if I had tried to set up all that myself and I know now that I need it.

[healed84]

I am glad that I am in therapy as I go through it (though, I haven't touched it in months) however, I think it does do a good job of helping a person set up stratetgies and resources before actually diving into the book. They ask you to make a list of people you can contact, things to do when getting overwhelmed, and what to do if sui thoughts become a problem. So, as I am not sure I would like to do it on my own, I think it set up for it to be done that way if somebody doesn't have a T.

[peaches100]

I tried to go through that book, even while in therapy, and I found that it was too disturbing and triggering for me. The descriptions of SA were too detailed. I couldn't tolerate it. But that's me. I'm pretty sensitive and easily triggered.

[stopdog]

I do not think a therapist would have had any effect upon me and the book at all. So doing it before or after seeing a therapist would not have changed the outcome - for me.

I think the point of the first exercise was to establish what makes you feel safe so you can use that information to try to create safety or feelings of safety while going through the book. It's just unfortunate that some of us have had that feeling so rarely, or never, that we are unable to fathom the exercise.

Didn't find the book fitted my healing at all.

[Perna]

Not everyone agrees with the book's premises: http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/di...-reading-list/

[deneane]

Originally Posted by My kids are cool

I think the point of the first exercise was to establish what makes you feel safe so you can use that information to try to create safety or feelings of safety while going through the book. It's just unfortunate that some of us have had that feeling so rarely, or never, that we are unable to fathom the exercise.

the only way i know how to feel safe is to shut everyone out and dont talk.