Yesterday I was cleaning out my office and came across my datebook calendar from 2010. I am such a pack rat! As I flipped through the calendar seeing if there was any contact information I may still need, I saw it there: My first appointment with Dr. P! How simply and innocently written. “Dr. P October 15, 2010.” Wow! How very innocent I was then!
I never imagined then that I would be where I am now six years later! No one should ever have to go through what we all have by simply making an appointment to see their mental health professional. I think of where I was then just having lost the love of my life and facing some career challenges. I was seeking guidance and assistance through grief and loss.
It was interesting just to see how simply he meant nothing to me other than his role for which I sought out his services. How I wish I could simply have that indifference now.
I paused and then threw the calendar in the trash. I am happy I am away from that predator. I am thankful I got away. I am thankful for the wisdom gained. I am thankful I have moved toward all those goals I originally had in mind when I went into therapy for with Dr. P. I am thankful I have seen many dreams come true. It’s been a long journey from that time of simply having made an appointment.
You and me both. About a decade ago I also simply made an appointment with a therapist. . As an adult child of an alcoholic and adult survivor of sexual abuse by my father and in an effort to save my marriage, I made an appointment in hopes of sorting things out. Yep, I made an appointment with a predator and pervert. It was far from being a safe place for therapy. I went forward and used my voice to expose him. Four others came forward also. He lost his license for a five year period, at which time he had the option of returning to his practice if he had proof of getting therapy for himself. I suspect he is back at his old games. After legal proceedings I was slapped with a gag order. Since that time, I have moved on (mostly) and I have a blessed life, I try to live in victory, not as victim. To be slapped with a gag order only serves to remind victims to “hush up” as if we were or are at fault. I recently have been “triggered” and have had some setbacks in areas I felt I had overcome. Current stress induced panic attacks and anxiety have accompanied the recent stories of women gymnasts coming forward and exposing the S.O.B. doctor who abused many girls. I hope and pray as they move forward from their abuse that they don’t dial a wrong number that leads them into the office or hands of a predator-therapist. Happy to have found this site and plan to spend time exploring it. Be blessed.