I decided to start going to therapy because my second relationship was about to end due to my inability to control my emotions. I felt completely out of control emotionally, and peace in my heartfelt impossible. A friend of mine, Letty, recommended for me to reach out to CVTC; they provide completely free of charge services to survivors of different forms of trauma.
Before therapy, I did yoga and worked out a lot, and although it was helping me get by, it was not addressing the trauma within me. Mental health sounded nice, but it seemed impossible for me to prioritize.
I recall going into my first session and breaking down. I told the therapist that I was tired, emotionally tired. The idea of opening up to a stranger did freak me out, but reliving childhood experiences in my thoughts and dreams was even worse. I wanted to feel free, to take in a deep breath without feeling like a huge knot was inside my lungs. The hardest part after that first session was to continue showing up. I remember getting to the door at CVTC multiple times and wanting to turn around. I’ve learned that when working with emotions, things always seem like they get worse before they get better. That’s because some wounds have to be reopened so they can heal properly.
Working with my therapist taught me to let go of the guilt and hate I felt. I was able to confront the abuser, find forgiveness, and turn my childhood experiences into the power that fuels me today. I do not have a relationship with the abuser, but I know I have forgiven him. I learned that feeling my emotions is totally okay, but letting them control my actions is not. I’ve learned to have more compassion with myself and others.
Two years after I started going to therapy my mom saw changes in me and she decided to seek help as well. This opened up the possibility of us breaking a long history of generational trauma. After her, my little brother started going, now my sister is thinking about it. Getting to live healthier and teaching others how to do the same has become my mission.
The best part of therapy for me is knowing that after every hard and emotional session comes a deep and freeing breath, peace. There are days still when I get triggered, but now I know how to ground myself—how to feel the emotion and listen to my inner child.
8 thoughts on “Eddy’s Story”
Thank you Eddy for sharing your story. I hope by you sharing your story empowers others to accept therapy and help. You’re very brave.
What people lose sight of is if you want to get better, you have to take action to heal. Sometimes taking action can just be going for a walk but we owe it to ourselves to stay strong. Being and staying strong isn’t easy. Healing isn’t easy. We never really get to stop being strong. However, nothing is more rewarding than looking back and thanking yourself for wanting to heal.
Eddy’s story is such an inspiration. Forgiving an abuser is no small feat, and to confront them is so brave! I know his story will help others break generational traumas as well ⭐️
I love seeing the freedom that you share through out your story. It takes away the shame of talking about true struggles. Thank you for being part of that healing in our family!
All of the times that you chose to walk through that door and speak to your therapist, even when you felt like running, are the times you decided to show up for yourself. Sometimes that is the hardest part! Your story is motivation for anyone that is ready to choose love. Anyone ready to face themselves and make a change. I am rooting for you.
Facing your past traumas by going to therapy to work through them is a huge step – and sharing that you did so is even bigger. It’s so difficult to admit to yourself that you have past trauma which still affects your life. It’s even scarier to expose that dark part of your life. Thank you Eddy for sharing your story and for setting the example for your family that it’s time to break the cycle.
As flawed humans with so much past hurt and trauma that we all carry, it’s tremendously powerful for anyone courageous enough to speak up and share their experiences. In doing so, they’re opening doors and opportunities for people to emotionally relate to and share their own. Thank you Eddy for sharing a part of you that will only empower you to keep living your beautiful TRUTH.
Eddy I’m so proud to know you, and proud of the ways you have embraced therapy and faced this work head on. Your impact is already being seen, but I know it will be much greater than we will understand.