Therapist Visit / part 2

by man in black 2 Replies latest jw friends

  • man in black
    man in black

    For the past several weeks I have been seeing a wonderful therapist who ran a grief support group that I attended 1 1/2 years ago when my Mom died.

    At the time I was just absolutley shocked that after 30 years of being a wt slave only 5 people bothered to send a card regarding her passing.

    I brought up to her in detail how the jw religion does not look favorably on anyone who doesn't agree 100% with their way of thinking, and moving forward That still affects me to a certain extent, esp. the shunning.

    Well, she brought up several times how the witness "mindset" of collective thinking (I kept thinking of the borg in Star Trek ) discourages individuality. This thinking has carried over in other aspects of my life, tendrils she said that work against other normal human behavior feelings.

    The key is how a person deals positivley with the new way of dealing with unknown, or repressed emotions. She said by focusing on positive things, and exploring new ways of dealing with life it should help me move forward.

    Several things that I do is help the elderly people in my neighborhood, mow their lawn, cook a dinner , or just talk to them is hugely helpful to me.I realize that I can have an honest - supportive relationship with someone,,,,, and not even mention my religion to them. But in a way the guilt of not doing that is still present to an extent I also help an organization called Honor Flight which is a HUGE leap for me,, but deep down inside I believe it is important.

    Paying attention to what/who I am is much more important than what others think/expect what I should be.

    The jw belief system can also cause much anxiety because of always having to meet unfocused expectaions from a group of men who are more focused on a manmade postion than actually serving God . As a guy I could identify with this 110%.

    Focusing, and working on emotions, experiences that are positive, and forward thinking are my assignments, it is something that is hard to do after being a witness for so many years. Breaking the jw mindset is not easy,, but it can be done.

  • JediMaster
    JediMaster
    Paying attention to what/who I am is much more important than what others think/expect what I should be.

    Focusing, and working on emotions, experiences that are positive, and forward thinking are my assignments, it is something that is hard to do after being a witness for so many years. Breaking the jw mindset is not easy,, but it can be done.

    I can relate. I too have been seeing a therapist for almost 10 months now. It's horrible to realize how many things are wrong with the belief system the witnesses create. Little by little I've started to break free, and can make my own mind as to what things I really believe and which ones, are just the result of the GB narrow thinking. I'm glad to know we're not alone in this difficult journey.

    Jedi Master

  • Crisis of Conscience
    Crisis of Conscience

    Count me in. I'm currently seeing a therapist also. And it's all mostly related to JW issues, but also includes some family issues. If it wasn't for the therapist, I don't know if I would have had the strength to slow down in my "service" without feeling full of guilt.

    I feel great so far and am glad I made a move in this direction. I actually for once in my life feel a sort of real peace.

    Man in Black, I wish you the best and congratulate you on your progress. I'm glad to hear what's happening in in your life regarding this. Keep going. It's worth the peace of mind.

    CoC

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