I am realizing there have been a lot of counselors in my life. Some not so great some terrible and some that are sticking with me. I am not sure if that makes me determined or crazy. I think there is this hope that if I can just find the right person that someday someday I will find that person who hears me and will stay until I am finally ok. There have been a few times I thought that I had finally found that person, only to once again be demolished. I know that no one is perfect. I know that even counselors are going to make mistakes, but I think that being a counselor you have to be more careful with people's feelings and emotions because for some of those people you may be the only person that a person has. I know that more than a few times I got/get too attached but when dealing with deep dark things and when you are sharing your soul that is something to be cherished. I know that not everyone is going to be a right fit. Not everyone is going to understand and sometimes there are times that people just work. I guess there is saying about seasons, but I don't really like that, but I can tell you that I have learned things from each and every counselor and there are things that broke my heart and things that let the light inn. I am just asking that please be the light giver and not a taker, because sometimes there is so little light left, we can't have anything else taken.
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He was my first experience with a counselor, He was my father's counselor I am sure that he was in some big medical building. I remember that his office has soft lighting and was comfortable. I am not sure why I was in the office, but I think he was using hypnotization. He pretended to put a candle on my head and told him to be careful. Probably the only time my father gave a shit, and it wasn't even a real danger.
I was 13. She was my first experience with a counselor. She was with friends of the family in Lewisville. She had a pronounced jaw line and very wide smile. I call her the contortionist. She would sit with her legs crossed, then wrap them around again, a little creepy. She wore tons of turquoise jewelry, bracelets, and rings on most of her fingers. It was the day after I told my parents I was gang raped. I was a mess, we all walked into her office, and for the length of the session, my father screamed and yelled and pointed fingers at me. She sat there. He stood up the entire time belittling me, saying that it didn't look like anyone broke in. He made it all about him I became smaller and smaller sitting in the armless chair, against the wall. Then when the session was over, she said, I think we should do this separately. WOW, that is a thought. I am dying inside, and there was not any concern for me. No questions were asked of me, and my mother sat there silent. The thing that I remember most was sitting in the parking lot outside the appointment, I had gotten a happy mean. I couldn't eat it but something about it made me smile. I was laying down in the backseat, laying was more comfortable I was so hurt. I can remember feeling the sun and for a few minutes, that was all that mattered. In a horrific day when I should have been taken care of, at least there was some comfort in the sun on my face and the happy meal sitting beside me. The only comfort that I was given. I did see her individually for some time. She was saying the things she was supposed to say. But not listening to what I was going through. I quickly learned, just agree, tell her what she wants to hear, and your time will go by quicker. My time with her didn't last long and I was grateful.
Yet another counselor that I was brought too after I was made to tell about the gang rape. I think that each time i was brought somewhere, there was this hope that someone was going to ask the right questions, that someone was actually going to help me. This would not be that time. Once again, my father made it all about him, calling me an entity and blabbing nothing was about me or what had happened. I was sitting between my parents my mother silent and my father talking for the both of them. He sat there in his chair, no reaction no words of comfort. Then the only question that he asked me how many were there. And it took everything that i had and I said 5. And then nothing my father continued and not another question was asked about me, who they were, what they did no other questions other than the number of men that were in my house from sun rise until past sun set. I was learning quickly that what happened to me was my fault and didn't really matter. What mattered was my father and his feelings. We left there and nothing was ever said again.
She was the first person that actually listened to me. She was younger and bubbly and she heard me. I was in my late teens, and I asked to go because I was still falling apart after what happened when I was 13. I would wake up with bruises, and scratches all over me, the nightmares and flashbacks were brutal. By the time I went to her I wanted to die. My father's behavior was worse and worse, I think my mother and my brother also saw her for a while, she said that it was amazing that we all had the same story about living in the house with him and what a monster that he was. I know I was dealing a lot with the things my father and Albert had done. Looking back how in the world did I handle anything. There was so much. I felt like i mattered, I felt like she heard me until she didn't anymore. I stopped seeing her and then I pressed charges on my father. And of course, detectives and Da's want all your information. I said fine take all my journals, contact the counselors, I wanted to get him, I wanted him to be put away to keep others safe. Well, when I contacted her about all the abuse that I spoke with her about my father.... she said she didn't remember anything.... WHAT....basically she didn't want to be involved in a court case. So, after being that caring, listener she decided she no longer wanted to be involved. I was heartbroken. She could have made a difference in my case. Once again, I was left feeling less than. I was left feeling crazy. Maybe I didn't say things the right way, maybe things weren't as bad as I thought. Did nothing that happened to me matter, did none of that even happen . How do you not remember after almost 3 years.
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I found her after my case was going to court and Victim's assistance was paying for her. I remember the first conversation, she was caring and kind, she shared that she was also abused by her father. I think for a time that she was helpful. I think for a time, she cared, but only for a time. I was going downhill quickly. I was a full-time nanny, I was going to school full time and trying to deal with all that happened to me. And my case against my father was in the court system. My plate was more than full. For a time she was helpful, really helpful. I was not doing well and took a leave from work and attended her IOP program. It was helpful, helped me through the justice system. She also shared the office with a psychiatrist and their answer to a lot of things was medicine. So I was put on an extreme amount of medicine, even when I said it wasn't working, they said thats ok stay on it. She started asking me questions about other patients and therapists. I felt like I was more in the middle than anything and it was uncomfortable. I was too young to know any different. There were a lot of interns that came through, and one intern and I just connected. He seemed to help at a deeper level. So, when he left to go to his own practice, I told Marry Ann that I was going to start seeing Jason. She was more than angry, almost taking it personal. I was sent a letter stating that she was no longer seeing me and neither was the psychiatrist, that I needed a team! WHAT, it was very crazy, Jason said I could file a complaint, but I just wanted to be better. I just wanted someone to be real and true and not decide that I wasn't worth it anymore. I once again felt crazy, dismissed and worthless. My mother came to see her once with me. I don't remember much of the session, I remember that she did ask my mother where she thought my father was at night and my mother said well at least he wasn't in bed with me. It was after that session that they brought her answer to my attention. At least they asked her questions, at least they cared enough for a time to do that.
She was one of the Therapists from IOP. She did more damage than help that's for sure. For probably the first time ever, I was talking about the gang rape and don, and she said, well how long were they there and it felt like the world stopped, because how do you answer that question, I am sorry I didn't ask him to stop so I could look at the clock. I was 13, how am I supposed to know I can remember my voice shaking, and tears running down my face and I said that it felt like a very long time. She kind of laughed and said Well sex doesn't take that long. I wanted to shrink in my chair. I didn't have the right answer, I didn't, have the answer that she wanted, and I felt worthless, she reinforced all the things that everyone told me about that time. What happened to me didn't matter, I was worthless, and I was lying. A lot to take from a little comment but that is what her words said to me. She was also the women who when I talked about going to a rave the night before the trial was supposed to start and I said something about missing that free feeling and just wanted to be done and she said why don't you just go eat a banana split....so not a big deal but at the same time it was. Telling me to eat a banana split to make things better it was just dismissive, and inconsiderate. I never looked at her the same and felt like she didn't believe me. I felt less than around her, and I had enough of that on my own.
He was absolutely the most supportive through the court system and then traveling to Boston for Angelas's case. He was kind, he listened, he heard me. He gave me time. I still have the letters that he wrote me as encouragement when i had to testify for Angela. He was my go-to. There were times, I saw him every week and then other times it was now and then. He was always there. He was just starting out. He moved to many new offices, and I kept following even when I found out that I was pregnant with my kids. And was like are you sure you weren't drinking, or drugs weren't involved. There was so much going on that was a place I wasn't ready to talk about. He even came to the hospital when they were born. He was my support. For years until once again he wasn't. I was reeling from the court case and so not doing ok. I was falling apart at the seams. Then at the end of a session. I can remember it was a rough one, I can remember talking about the picture that was on my wall asa little girl and wanting to be a part of that picture as my father abused me. At the end he said Well there is something we have to talk about. He said Well this is our last session; I have to start charging you. I was shocked. I understood the need to get paid, I understood but the way that it was done. Don't have a person open a dark hole then say oh by the way. I shut down inside. It was like well ok, the kids were maybe 3 or 4. I was devasted. I can remember Dave Mathews band song Where are you going was on in the car, and I cried harder than I have ever cried. He was my support person. And just like that my feet were ripped out from under me. Gosh I understood, but the way that it was done, and so quickly. It seemed that once again I was on my own.
EMDR Guy : Thats sad I don't really remember his name. He was at a church, and I thought maybe it was worth a try. He was nice but unprepared for my story. He was very uncomfortable every time I talked about it, you could see him cringe. EMDR made things worse, it's hard to explain just not my thing. I think it brought me into my own skin too much too fast and wasn't a good fit for me. I think he tried, but for me trying wasn't going to help. There was no way to heal when I thought that I disgusted him.
The hope center : I saw her only 3 times. The third time I was talking about being tired with being a mom to twins and school and work. It was that point when I am so exhausted the tears just fall. She made a comment that broke my heart: Well, I made my bed now i had to lie in it ! I walked out at the end of the session and never went back. A few years ago, I got an email from her, and she was asking if I needed anything. I told her no that last time i saw her; She told me to lie in the bed I made; so no, I will not be making any further appointments.
I think that this one hurts the most. This is one that, still hurts that I still question where things went so terribly wrong. There are not many words, that seem to fit. I think that the hurt that I feel is still open and raw. I became a part of his family. I watched his kids; I knew his wife. I was a guest in his house and one Thanksgiving, I even went to Colorado. I think when he left for Colorado, things really changed. He left to start a church plant. I always thought that was kind of funny, being the person that I am. It was a good thing. I really feel like I had gone as far as I could with him. I did some really hard work, I made progress. He helped me tell Vincent about his conception, he listened to me. Every now and then I would email him asking for advice or just saying hello. Then I think I was asking about Medicine because the nightmares and things were just getting worse again, and I didn't understand to come so far and to hit such a huge roadblock. His response back was cold and hurtful. He was like at this point the only thing that would help was God. That the church was the only way that those things were going to get any better. I sent him the most honest response that I could, it was right from my heart. I told him that I missed when he didn't push God and religion. He knew me and how I struggled with that. So for his answer to be what it was , it was like he didn't know me at all and didn't care it was a cold response to my true heart. He knew me better than that you know. My response was right from my heart, that was not an option for me and I missed that he didn't understand that. And I got the worst response back that I could have ever imagined, and I have never sent him another email or spoken to him. In it he reminded me of all the time that he had spent on me, and that he didn't change it was very accusing and cruel. I was heartbroken. Maybe that was his answer because he didn't have one but i didn't want answers, I wanted someone to listen. I have never spoken to him again, I took him off my Facebook, and deleted any and all correspondence. I no longer reach out on the holidays and birthdays. He was my person, and to be treated like that wasn't ok. How does a person say that they love you, come to your graduation then in a snap everything changes. I have learned that he couldn't help me anymore and instead of owning that, he put God in the middle. When i think about it it still breaks my heart, because I really came a long way with his friendship and support. But when I wasn't so needy, when I grew stronger and had my own opinions things went badly quick. Even when my mother passed away, he never reached out to make sure I was ok. There will always be a sore spot. I have come to realize that I will never see him again. He will never see the progress that I continue to make. He will never be a part of my life, family and all that I continue to overcome. This one hurt worse for some reason, maybe because for once I thought i was a part of something and then I was left wondering if I was ever a part of it at all. My heart is still broken maybe in time, it will lessen and It will be filled with the things and people meant for me.
I was drowning and reaching out grabbing at whatever I could. A single mom teacher there was no money for counseling. There was little money for the necessities, and I was not even near the top of the list. But he responded, he was kind he was willing to make something work. He didn't have any appointments but was more than willing to email. He wanted to work with me through a book, and then he realized that I needed more, he had an intern and thought it would be a good fit. I was grateful for him and even trying to make a difference for me. Which leads me to another intern.
So I started seeing the intern. He was kind, but he was new. I think he was unprepared for someone like me. I think that he was more suited for smaller challenges. He talked a lot about himself. There were times he was present and helpful, and other times it seemed he had an agenda. I was grateful to have someone to hear me, but there wasn't a connection. I can remember asking for a hug once. And got this quick uncomfortable hug and was like wow.... never want to do that again. He was more than uncomfortable and already feeling gross and disgusting, I felt like he felt it too. He didn't have a clue about what it was like not to have things, or not to be able to do something and I felt that. I had just graduated and was looking for a teaching job, I had no home, no job and was struggling to keep my head above water. I was not in a great place. Then I found a job, I was going to have the chance to participate in an amazing documentary. Things were looking up for me. I was hired as a ful time para, at least my foot was in the door. I went to DC for the documentary. It was hard, really hard and brought up more than I thought it would. The week that I got back I got an email that he passed his exam and would start charging me, I was raw from the documentary and just wanted to talk about it then that. I was devastated. I can remember crying as hard as I had in some time. I didn't understand why people kept leaving at the worse times and not caring at all about the person that I was. I think i may have sent an email, but what was the point. He was done with me. And I was hurt and thought never again am I going to do this. Until once again I was drowning in the things that happened to me.
Speak Your Silence: I saw something about a grant, called Speak your Silence. I signed up and was granted a grant for 10 sessions of counseling. I was so excited and looked forward to healing and finding joy and peace. I just kept thinking I need this to get over this hump Yes, I was matched with counselors neither of which was a match for me. The first one was a guy that really liked himself. He was in a different office each time that I saw him, and it felt uncomfortable. I found myself staying on the surface, it was more like a coffee meeting then trying to heal and become whole. The first 1 or 2 sessions were fine. It was strained and not a good fit, but I wanted so badly for it to work. But that third session, he really shocked me. He compared me to an alcoholic and said Well it sucks to be you. I was flabbergasted and thought that surely, I heard him wrong. Only I did hear him correctly and knew that was not the place for me. I told Speak your silence and they were like no that isn't ok. We found someone else in Mckinney. She was fine, but not for me. She said the right words, but they seemed trite and out of a book. She was all about business and never truly saw the person that was in front of her. There was no feeling or personality. Kindness was not a word that came to mind. She seemed far away, and I wanted something soothing and caring. I wasn't doing this to hear myself talk, I needed caring and direction. I needed someone who could care for my heart, I was ready to give up. How many times can a person tell their story and keep getting their hearts trampled on. My heart was done. SPEAK Your Silence was looking for another counselor and come to find out there are few people that will work with them. There are few people that are willing to put in the time and effort and make a difference. That was until I found Mark Hundley.
This brings me to today and a man that I will forever Cherish.
I was not in a good place at all. I was drowning in the things that happened to me and trying to do it all. I was so sad all the time and getting out of bed each and every day was a struggle. I had signed up to go to a training at work on a Trade Learning Saturday. I woke up that morning thinking I can't I just cannot go; I cannot pull myself out of bed and get it together. I don't want to see anyone; I cannot smile and pretend that I am fine. I didn't even take a shower; I didn't care. I got up and went and Mark was the speaker. I was of coarse super early and was greeted so kindly. He had his cowboy hat on and boots, I am not sure what I was expecting, but he just talked to me. He was such a calm presence. He had a calm gentle nature and right away I was put at ease. He asked me questions; he ate his breakfast. He enjoyed the little things, and I was intrigued, like who is this guy. He had slides in his presentation, but he shared from his heart. His presentation was so much more than the words, there was feeling, heart and experience. He talked from and about his heart. His kindness to everyone, was amazing I just watched as he interacted with the room. He heard and listened to each and every person that spoke. The time went by so quickly, and then he talked about a few of his students, the progress they made, things they said, and he teared up speaking about them, that passion, that care. I had to reach out to him. SO, I did. I was scared and thought he would blow me off. I was at that point where I was like what is the worse that he is going to tell me no. I at least had to try! People like that don't come around often. He answered right away. I think it was the second email I told him about Speak your Silence and asked if that would be something he would do and without any hesitation, he said of course tell me what I need to do. I was nobody and this person was going to go out of their way to help me. I am pretty sure I cried at my desk reading the email. Someone going out of their way for me, that meant more than I think he will ever know. I can say today that I love this man more than words, I am most grateful that he always makes time for me and cares for my heart like I have never known. I am grateful for his hugs when I feel that I am everything except lovable. I am grateful for his texts when I just leave but have to remind him how grateful I am one more time. I am grateful for his laugh, when the world seems exceptionally crazy. I am grateful that all the places and things that I have done brought me here and now to this place to be able to grow and learn with a one in a million. I think with Mark, I will get to that place where I am ready to leave. I for once will be the one saying you know, I am ok. I don't think I need you anymore. Don't get me wrong there is always going to be a need, but it will change. I look forward to being done, being in a place that my past doesn't seem so heavy. I look forward getting to meet for Coffee and tell him the things that are happening and seeing that twinkle in his eye. I look forward to that cup of coffee when we can sit, and all is well with the world and my heart. I am lucky enough to have him and lucky enough that he said what do I need to do for someone who meant nothing. Here's to coffee someday and all the journey that got me here.
I heart your heart
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