At 19 I married a man. So naïve I was. Truthfully I know he picked me for this reason. He was beautiful. Ah inspiring. (I didn’t have much of a sense of self esteem or skills to handle men.) Long story short, he was a rapist. What he did to me that night has stayed behind well guarded walls, until I started taking Viibyrd. Then poof! I wake up to my screams. I don’t know where I am for a few minutes. He haunted my dreams for months and when I researched him, I discovered he committed suicide recently. His wife not even knowing I hadn’t filled for divorce until 2000. I said nothing to his family. Some know my parents wouldn’t allow this marriage. Some blamed me for not staying with him.
His suicide hit me hard. Love & hate. I forgave him so long ago, or so I thought. I finally told my husband. He can’t kill a dead man, which is what he really wanted to do. Hubs listened to the details I remember. Out slipped, it was like my dad. And hubby screamed, I knew that sob hurt you more than you said! I stood there in shock. There’s a wall there I’m not ready to take down.
This is where I am now. It’s when it all fell apart. I had wall after wall protecting me. And like dominos that all came down. It’s why I’ve been so strong. I mean I gave birth alone while my husband was in Iraq for 15 months, without meds mind you. I could handle miscarriage, rough spots in marriage, family saying I was a cold hearted bitch. I did it all, but the minute I felt him die, I knew it was going to crumble.
I don’t know how to go back to good. I feel like a victim. I griefed a man who did unspeakable acts to me. I’m angry, I’m scars, I’m so tired. This is my life and it’s good. All of this doesn’t make me anymore. Or does it?
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Personal set-backs and conflictual relationships are common problems that we all can face at some point in our lives. My approach is respectful and compassionate. I have doctoral level clinical training, research experience, several publications, and am adjunct faculty at Virginia Tech.
I have been in private practice seeing adults and couples since 2004. I love my job and feel so fortunate to be able to work with people on living their best lives. I tailor sessions to the needs of the client- whether setting measurable goals, processing emotions in a safe space, changing habits or increasing self awareness.
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Seeking an alternative to traditional therapy?
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Good on you for getting some out. so sorry about hubby; but he will get over it.
He may as well get to know you after all. He sounds like a decent bloke.
I think this is bigger than the support you can get here. I believe you and your husband need to get professional help in person. The rapist forced you to live behind walls of protection which your family interpreted as “being a cold-hearted bitch”. But it was your mode of survival. War victims and soldiers do the same thing. Sexual incest victims can behave the same way. Your husband’s reaction is normal as well. Here is a situation that he sees his loved one, you, hurt and he cannot do anything about it. Please consider seeking counseling for you and him. Don’t worry about family. Maybe one day you can share. But unless they are very important to you, I would not waste my energy on it. In the mean time, I will message another member who probably has more in common with your past. I can listen and empathize, but I have not been where you have been. Bless you for being strong enough to survive.
I agree. I’ve been talking to my dr about it, but we haven’t done couple therapy. I’m not sure hubby is ready. He is retired Army and already suffers from PTSD. Although it’s not too bad these days, I see it return when I bring this up. As for family…I couldn’t do it anymore. It’s been years since we’ve talked. I would like to talk with your friend. Thank you.