Making Distinctions

Adapted from first pub in) Healing, Learning and Growing (Archdiocese of Chicago newsletter) 1, no 4 (November 2011). MOST REPRINTED ARTICLE: The process of healing from clergy abuse is a process of making distinctions where we had seen none; between surrender and annihilation, between priest and predator.

During early counseling for childhood experiences of sexual abuse, there were tough truths. One was that my mood was suddenly crashing—and my mental clarity suddenly blurring—simply because a single image could trigger an overwhelming emotional memory. My therapist suggested a phrase to reverse the trigger: “This time is not that time.” The practice proved astoundingly helpful, drawing me out of the past like a lifeline, but I was still angry. I had run from the past madly, believing I could be free, but I had not managed to escape after all.

Reaffirming this distinction between past and present continues to help me function. I’d characterize my own journey over thirty years as “Healing comes from making distinctions.” I repeat this line regularly to other survivors of child sexual abuse. It is cornerstone in my book, Restoring Sanctuary, from which this essay is somewhat drawn.

Download to read more

teresa-pitt-green-making-distinctions.pdf

Download PDF • 223KB