Dear Traci:

I saw a psychologist when I was seventeen and a counselor when I was
twenty-one. Neither did very much for me, I'm afraid. The psychologist
wanted me to see a psychiatrist, which my father wouldn't allow. The
counselor was only skilled in domestic violence, not in all of the issues
that I had to work out. No, I've never attended group therapy, myself, but
I've led several groups. I was a founder of AASI - Actors For The Awareness
Of Social Issues. I ran a group called Spiritual Questing. I also ran a
meditation and relaxation group. Plus, I ran a Dance Group - releasing
emotions to music. Right now, I am not doing any of that. I went on a
downward slide about two years ago, and I just don't have the strength, or
the trust to seek further help. Maybe down the road.

Yes, I do have PTSD. That has progressively gotten worse over the years.

I took Zoloft for a little while, but I didn't like it. I couldn't access
any real emotions with it. It also made me extremely manic and my self-harm
started up again. So, I'm staying away from meds.

It sounds like you had a very hard childhood, too. My dad used to beat up on
my mom, too. It was very frightening. My dad started molesting me when I
was four. I guess that's where the whole trust issue started for me. You do
sound like your doing pretty good, though. At least, I hope so. It's rough
to be without insurance. I was for many years. Some places will work on a
sliding scale, if you really need to talk to someone, and most support groups
are free. Please let me know if I can be of any help to you.

Love,
Linda