My therapist gave me an ACE questionnaire test w 10 questions, each one worth 1 point. I scored a 9. She explained this is not normal. I'm on the extreme end of abuse. That blew me away, but what really hurt was a connection she made regarding my inability to sleep at night. This shit is hard.
I'm surprised you haven't done an ACE questionnaire before. No one else ever asked you to do one? I'm not surprised you got a 9. 😥🫂
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Never, didn't know what it was. I asked about samples of people regarding ethnicity, lots of questions. She understood my concerns & went indepth to break it down. What convinced me was her doctorate in psychology & her specialty in complex trauma. You aren't? Boy, I am.
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I had to look the questionnaire up. I’m so sorry. 😞 I hope she’s a counselor that can make a difference for you. The hard work is worth it, because you are worth it.❤️💕
🫂🫂🫂🫂 Thank you, honey. She's the best, very well versed in complex trauma, CPTSD, serious abuse. She's been in practice 20+ years & her first job was a home for troubled boys. She knows her stuff and she's tenacious.
I’m so happy you’ve found someone so qualified that you trust. That often takes quite a long search.
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🫂🫂🫂🫂 Thank you, Dr AJ. I've been in therapy 40+ years & she's the first one whose figured out the issues & is treating the core traumas. I'm so blessed to have found her.
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Yep. My sleep has gotten so much better over the past 13 years, but my husband regularly tells me I'll wake up with an extreme startle response. Ear plugs, weighted blankets, melatonin, and sleep hygiene have all helped. I hope you can get some better sleep!
Sleep is so important to our mental health. Maybe you'll make some breakthroughs now.
That would be nice.
I scored a 6. Maybe 7. After the original abuse and neglect the nuns left me alone throughout high school. Unloved but I survived. Did homework babysat did my art and stayed with friends on the weekends.
I'm sure sorry for everything you went through. Hateful, horrid hags. Glad you stayed busy & had friendships.
Never carried that particular baggage. Some of the other girls that had it worse than me are scarred. One of the nuns hit a toddler in her crib. I threatened to punch her and took the baby and cleaned her up. After that I pretty much called my own shots.
Holy fuck, good for you. 💜💜💜 Poor, sweet baby. Thank you for caring.
Never knew what happened to the little ones. That awful place was torn down ages ago.
Good. The earth needs to be salted & sealed off.
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Thank you, honey. 🫂🫂🫂
🫂 🫂 🫂 I have no doubt that trauma and insomnia are connected. I’m sure you’ve heard your fair share of "Just practice better sleep hygiene," too. 😡
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I had no idea, sadly. :( No, that's never really been discussed in any of my therapy before her. I'm only now understanding how ignorant my past therapists were about CPTSD. Therapy was back then.
Too many shitty doctors out there. I’m sorry it took you so long to find a good one.
So first, I’m so glad you found this therapist. Everything that you’ve said sounds like she really is good for you. 🫶🏻 Second, just reading those questions is so heartbreaking. (Mine was 2). You’ve been through it all and you still keep pushing forward. I still am in awe at how you do it all. 🫂
Thanks, my friend. 🫂🫂 Sure appreciate your support. She is definitely helping me. I'm fortunate to have her. I'm glad you got a 2.
I’m sad you got a 9 😟😟
Hopefully this will help her help you, honey.
Thank you so much. 🫂🫂🫂
I've had therapy myself. Sometimes yes, it's painful. But what's more painful? Going without it. I tried to deal with my PTSD on my own. It made me worse off than I was before. I had panic attacks and so much horror. Twelve sessions of therapy and I was much better. Bless you.
Way to go, seeking help for it. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Glad you've found someone to help you. 🫂🫂🫂🫂