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16 replies

Writing A Manuscript About Therapy Experience

ljbljbMember
Hi all...just wanted to kind of take a poll from the community out there. I've been writing a manuscript for some 6 years now. I started writing it for a "theraputic" effect, but it suddenly took on a life of it's own.

It stems from my very first therapy session with T#1, the first time I ever reached out for help regarding my trauma and then finally, the affect of his death upon me...then progresses to T#2. Going through "exposure therapy" treatment with him and the ultimate bond that occured between us. It encompasses me untimately losing him, due to a stroke. I am currently writing about my sessions with T#3 and EMDR and trauma treatment.

This whole book encompasses information such as: PTSD, Anxiety, EMDR, blank slate approaches, humanistic approaches, shame, keeping secrets for years, attachment, transference, the loss of a therapist, survivor's guilt, highly sensitive people, etc. I have been audio recording sessions with my T#3 and have included unedited communication between the therapist and me, the client.

I just wondered if there would be any motivation out there for people to want to purchase a book of this content. I wouldn't want to trigger people, but it is pretty graphic. My T would like me to publish this some day, in order to help others. It paints a true picture of what therapy is.

Anyway, just putting it out there. I checked with AG about this. She suggested I visit this site, which I absolutely love! And I respect each and every one of you and your opinions. If you have some time, just jot me a note and let me know if this kind of book is something you may be interested in reading.

Thank you in advance.

LJB
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catalystcatalystMember
It's sounds so amazing what you have written LJB! I love that it spans so much time, and sounds very personal and of the heart. From the way you write here, I'm sure it will make a wonderful reading experience.

I think you should go for it, whether or not people will read it in a way… if it's helped you, it's worth it. Saying that, I don't mean people won't read it, I think you will most certainly have an audience… I just mean, consider yourself, too!

Personally, I do not currently read books about personal therapy experiences due to my own triggers. I can carry the pain of others and it gets in to my own dreams and feelings - just too intense right now.
V veryhopefulMember
I think it's a very interesting idea and am the type to read such work. I have a very curious nature and am facinated by people and what makes them tick; psychotherapy and the delicate nature of the process. However, keep in mind that every single person's experience in therapy is different and the intensity and dedication between therapist and client can be quite different depending on varioius factors. Some clients are more serious than others and work really hard, like you seem to be doing, and want to share what they've learned with the world. I think it would be wonderful to actually create the work and put it out there. It is also admirable that you have such respect for the process and the work you are accomplishing. Why wouldn't you want to share it with the world. People who are not in therapy just don't "get it". I do! Go for it. It's important.
ljbljbMember
VeryHopeful and Cat--

Thank you for your replies. It was/is very difficult to write this manuscript because there are things in there that I am not proud of, but it is all part of the process.

Although it is based around trauma, it is sprinkled with stories from my T's, humor, hopefulness, and how I was lucky enough to land in the open, caring palms of three different T's who showed compassion, patience, and respect for me throughout my journey.

You are right, though. Those who haven't been through therapy just don't get it, but I'm hoping to shed some lumination on the process of therapy and how clients can transform into not only a better person, but can put trauma behind them, instead of having "two feet in the past." (Wondering if that should be the title...)

LJB
V veryhopefulMember
LJB,
Don't be aftaid for one second about sharing things you are not proud of from the past. That is a big part of our experiences and speaking the truth and respecting it is huge growth. Working through the shame is paramount and sharing it can be very beneficial to others you may never meet. That's one of the biggest fires to walk through in therapy. Coming out of the shadows is something to be extremely grateful for and proud of. And, having excellent therapists on the journey is a big gift. Give yourself extra credit for your desire to be brave and share. John Wayne said "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway". I love that....it's the definition of deciding to face our truths and take off our masks.
ljbljbMember
Thanks Red Tomato--

I know what you mean about material. I took over 20 years and compressed them into a format which, according to my 2nd T said; "You have a remarkable way of taking something very traumatic and making it almost poetic." Probably the best compliment any writer could ask for. I just didn't know if there would be an audience for it. Glad to know you'd be ready to turn the pages! Love!

LJB
E emeMember
(((LJB)))Add my name to that book list. Writing this book would be a wonderful gift not only to give to yourself, but certainly to all your readers. Really think about how your book could change peoples lives for the better. Not only will it be a great book for those of us who are or have gone to therapy, but what an educational tool for the people who have not gone to therapy. I think its a great idea to share your pain and struggles, and to be proud of how far you have come. Its definitely a brave thing to do. I can't wait to purchase it.
V veryhopefulMember
I have to add to EME's response...I think it is really, really important to speak about all of this in any forum; especially to those people who want/need help and are petrified of seeking it, which is 95% of the population. This could give them permission to be vulnerable and know they are not alone; which is key. The stigma still exsists but is not as strong as it used to be. There is something wrong with "not" getting help when you need it.....not getting the help. Reaching out is so hard, as we all know, but so freeing. Hopefully, we are all going in the right direction. Perserverance to all!
ljbljbMember
Amen, Veryhopeful! Thank you! It IS important to know we are not alone. I think that is one thing we as "survivors" sometimes feel, is that we are alone in our tomb of trauma...

Eme--thanks for the hugs, I really needed them! I never thought of myself as "brave", but when I think about all of the personal information (only the names and places have changed to protect the innocent!) that is spread throughout the text, it does give me second doubts. But, I try to look at the positive side of the overall content of the piece--to see how far I've come, to look back on the theraputic process and doctors who have been there for me so that I knew that I was, indeed, not alone in the turmoil of hope lost, the black hole that we often fall into, sometimes trying desperately to crawl out--other times, giving up.

It tears me up to read of others on this forum who have suffered from abuse and/or negligence of their T's. I guess I was just lucky to find 3 that were professional, genuine and went over and above the ramifications of their job descriptions. Who have impacted my life more than I could have ever imagined when I sat down in their offices for the first time. I never thought of myself as lucky before this.

LJB

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