I have harbored childhood memories of sexual abuse for 20 years. It effects alot of areas of my life. I recently decided to try and confront my problems. I read a book that said I should confide in someone close to me. I did, a sister. She told my mother. Now my family wants me to confont my abuser and are pressuring me to do so. It is very hard to find help for men that have been abused. There are few books. Which some I have read. I have researched the net. I feel so much pressure. I am starting to have nightmares about the abuse that I went through. I don't know what to do. I don't feel that I can confront him.
2007-12-01 04:57:38 · 3 answers · asked by scattered1044 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Most universities have counseling programs where graduate students counsel and it is overseen by the professors. they usually charge a sliding scale based on how much income you have. Its not expensive at all.
2007-12-01 05:01:48 · answer #1 · answered by casey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEWLIFE.com and their 1-800-NEWLIFE number are an excellent source of referral, nationwide. NEWLIFE's daily radio show deals with personal and relational issues on any topic. They have several avenues to receive counseling, including over the phone. Give a call and they will discuss what might be workable for you.
While I am female, I did use the book on childhood sexual abuse that is on their book list. A counselor walked with me, being my confidential "safe" listener. This radically changed my life for the positive, allowing me to process the abuse and surrounding issues and to embrace healing with freedom to live my life in the positive.
We followed-up with a second book entitled "Bold Love" by Dan Allender which addresses the aspects of choosing to or not to confront the abuser.
You are right in saying that there comes a point in life where the memories interfere with daily life. Addressing sexual abuse is not a pleasant subject. But through the process you will find hope is on the other side.
2007-12-01 13:17:54 · answer #2 · answered by Hope 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out to you. I am sorry for what happened to you. Being a childhood sexual abuse survivor myself, I would like to suggest to you that you get a really good therapist & that may take some time & trying several different therapists. The best type of therapy I've had is Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy (research if you're interested). You are going to *have* to have some therapy--there is no way around that.
I did a search for you for some organizations you may want to check on-line: mebweb.org, menstuff.org, heart7.net/male, theawarenesscenter.org, thisisawar.com for you to check out. (They will also suggest some books for you.)
Pls don't let your family talk you into doing ANYthing you are not comfortable with. This is about you. This is *your* experience. Take your time. Be gentle with yourself.
Good luck.
2007-12-01 14:11:45 · answer #3 · answered by MoonSinger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋