Online Therapy for Watchtower Survivors

by RevMalk 15 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse

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  RevMalk

  I'd like to announce that a credited Therapist has agreed to assist us in our healing process. Dr Franklin is an expert of many types of therapy, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which many of us seem to be suffering. Dr Franklin has agreed to provide us with his expert advice as both a Free Question and Answer form, and also through online and offline therapy, as well as therapy utilizing the use of the telephone. He has been very generous in providing these resources, and I encourage everyone to take a look at what he has to offer, for those of us in need. His services are not limited to the molestation issues, but rather all issues pertaining to abuses we've endured as both JWs and exJWs. Here is a brief portion taken from his online biography, which can be found by clicking here.

  David spent several years in the USAF, working as a clinical social worker, where he excelled in a variety of treatment settings. Specifically, he was a clinical provider and treatment team leader on an inpatient psychiatric unit. He also gained valuable experience working as a clinical provider on the Air Force's largest inpatient alcohol rehabilitation center. In addition, Dr. Dave has been the Director of a Family Advocacy Program (which is a military program designed to treat and stop child and spousal neglect and abuse). David has also worked with families who have a disabled family member, as an outpatient mental health clinician, as a hostage negotiator consultant, as the program manager for a city wide suicide prevention program, as an outpatient substance abuse diagnostic evaluator, and he worked as a clinical adviser for an outpatient smoking cessation program. Dr. Dave is certified in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The following are considered his specialties...

  edited to change title, I felt this was more appropriate since this is not just a Lambs issue.

  Edited by - RevMalk on 29 January 2003 15:43:36
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  Big Tex

  What a fantastic idea Rev! Now this is on the Lambs Roar site? He certainly sounds qualified. When things slow down later tonight, I'm definitely going to check this out.
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  LyinEyes

  That sounds like a great idea,,,,,,,,, where will he be to offer the advice? It seems kind of scary to think of talking to a real professional about things. I am most terrified to admit how deeply some of my past , even recent past things have really effected my life. I always think I have things under control , but often wonder if I am missing out total healing because I am missing some important step, or something, that I am just not seeing.

  I guess part of what I am trying to say is there are many things from early childhood and soon after my mother's suicide that I have seemed to have blocked from my mind. I know this is the reason why it always comes out in the worst ways, for me, in my thinking ,in my depression, in my dreams most of all. I know there is so much saddness, hurt , anger, in these dreams , I would like peace . I don't know how, I have never really had inner peace.

  I am interested in what this man would say , and especially what he will say to others,,,,,first......lol...guess i am kind of shy about telling a professional. All who know me here have heard most of it,,,,,,, I am sure they think ......" I have dropped my basket".
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  RevMalk

  What a fantastic idea Rev! Now this is on the Lambs Roar site? He certainly sounds qualified. When things slow down later tonight, I'm definitely going to check this out.

  Thank you, I appreciate the comments. (yes, this is available through LambsRoar.org) And all you guys thought I was doing nothing all this time, LOL. I would have had this going sooner, but I didn't want to just pick anyone. Dr. Franklin is grade A stock, if I may, he's been checked out, checked on, verified, sealed and delivered.

  I do want to stress that the Dr's Q&A forum is for informational purposes only, and not meant to replace actual one on one therapy (which he does supply both online/offline/Phone), but I think he'll make a wonderful addition to our community. Not just LambsRoar, but our entire community. He's a good guy, and he really does care. He's been following the JW Abuse Issues for a couple of years, so it's not brand new to him. He'll have some learning to do of course, but he's got a good foundation. Also, I need to mention that LambsRoar is not responsible for the actions, or comments of any member on the site (I need to say that, just in case :) - We're not looking to be an authority on any form of Psychotherapy, simply because we are not, and that's exactly why we've brought someone in that is.

  I hope this will be a benefit for us all, even though I merely brought him in so I could get free therapy. KIDDING! That's not the case at all :)

  I am interested in what this man would say , and especially what he will say to others,,,,,first......lol...guess i am kind of shy about telling a professional. All who know me here have heard most of it,,,,,,, I am sure they think ......" I have dropped my basket".

  LyinEyes,

  Wow, you've been through so much. I am so sorry to hear these things. I hope the good Dr can be of help to you, and I'm sure he'd be willing to help out if you need it, that's what he's here for. I know it's hard being the first one to break the ice, and probably many will feel that way, so it may get a slow start, but that's ok, he's there when we need him, and that's what's most important.

  We have another Therapist that's willing to help out. She's the former Senior Social Worker at a major US University, and since leaving that University, she's spent the last 15 years in private practice, and group therapy. We simply don't know what to do with her at the moment until we know if this is going to work out or not. It's simply a matter of interest, and prioritizing our needs. Comes down to supply and demand I guess, so if we can demand, they'll supply.

  As always, since LambsRoar is run by Abuse Survivors FOR Abuse Survivors, we welcome and encourage comments and suggestions, and we strive to be as diplomatic as humanly possible.

  So keep the suggestions coming!

  Rev
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  kelsey007

  Rev it is so good to see positive things being done in a positive way. Your approach and your demeanor have opened up options for those seeking recovery. Your mission seems balanced and focused and is all being accomplished without fanfare.

  I for one thank you for your efforts and wish you well in the future. Again, this is great and very positive!
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  Brummie

  TIS good news.
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  RevMalk

  Thanks again guys. Like I said, I hope we can keep him busy, not only will he be of help to those that use these services, but the Q&A forum will be a great archive for visitors that may be facing similar issues. And getting the word out is key to the success of this program, and again, I'd like to thank Simon and Ang for allowing me to speak freely about LRD. They're good people, and have been a great help so far.

  We have some other things coming as well, that should help in that aspect. I work in Advertising, so there's one thing I've learned over the years. You give something away for free, and they will come, haha. So, we're setting up free webpages for whoever wants one. Nothing special, just a 5 page template driven set-up, with no banners or pop-ups! And a few other things we'll be including, such as a photo album, and everyone is welcome to use it to host their images. I see people have been having problems with strike9, and some others. So, we'll be able to provide this stuff at least until I go broke :)
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  cruzanheart

  Thanks, Rev, I'm going to check it out too. I appreciate your efforts!

  Nina
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  RevMalk

  Just wanted to give you guys an update.

  The Dr will officially be starting his 'call of duty' on 2/1/03, but of course questions can be posted at any time.

  We're actually considering an introductory chat, so everyone can get to know each other, but that will depend on interest.(So please, send me your feedback on this. I don't want to waste the Drs time if the interest is not there for a chat session)

  Someone emailed me a question about 'Dr Dave', and in turn I sent the question to him, and just received his response. I had actually gone through all this with the Dr previously, but I was curious to see what his 'official' answer would be. His answer was so impressive (I think), that it solidifies my faith in him. The question asked was:

  Question: Also, it doesn't look like sex abuse is one of his specialties, per se...
  unless it comes under the category of Traumatic Stress.

  ANSWER:
  
  Actually, that's an astute observation...it doesn't say that, does it? <The Dr's Biography> Well, I've always considered it under the purview of PTSD <Post Traumatic Stress Disorder>. I used PTSD in the Bio. simply because there are too many issues to list individually. I can greatly appreciate the sender's concern over that distinction. If I might take the time to explain my views on this.
  
  I really think there are very few "specialists" in mental health anymore...managed care has made it so that mental health "specialists" often have to see more "general" clients compared to specialty clients in order to make a living. It's an unfortunate reality today. This is in stark contrast to a medical specialist who sees only cancer patients, kidney patients, and so forth. Mental health just doesn't seem to have that luxury anymore.
  
  Rather, people in mental health tend to have special interests or an "expertise" in a particular area or areas. Would I consider myself an expert in sexual abuse? Yes, I would. Based upon what? Well, I have specific, intensive training (via the USAF) in the assessment and treatment of sexual abuse. This was part of my duties related to a program called Family Advocacy (which is a military program designed to assess and treat child and spousal abuse, including sexual abuse). Plus, I have worked with abuse survivors in the past. In addition, I have done extensive reading on the subject. Thirdly, I have met other so-called experts in sexual abuse and was totally appalled at their lack of grounding in the professional literature.
  
  I am highly invested in providing people with quality care...I've always had the attitude that treatment should be effective and based upon good, sound "science", if you will--mainly because people are paying their hard earned money and deserve quality care. In my opinion, there are too many "experts" out there who don't know their stuff and conduct therapy "off the cuff"...I'm not like that.
  
  Would I label myself an "expert"? No, I wouldn't. Why? Because, it gives one a "reputation" as being good at only one thing and leads others (such as prosecutors, lawyers, judges, and other people) to utilize one for a solitary purpose only...I don't want that to happen to me. So, I tend to be a little more open with my word choices...even "domestic violence" encompasses many, many populations.
  
  Lastly, I'm not sure my role at lambsroar is exclusive to sexual abuse...certainly that will be a focus because of the common background, but I guess I see myself more of a "resident expert" when it comes to mental health...whether that be not being able to form healthy relationships, self-esteem, stress management, self-mutilation, and so forth...yes, they all may have etiology from sexual abuse, but the symptoms would be treated individually.
  
  I do hope that I have addressed some of the concerns presented...
  
  ...all great questions, by the way.
  
  DF
  
  --
  David B. Franklin, PhD, LMSW-ACP
  Diplomate, Clinical Social Work
  Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
  Board Certified in Domestic Violence
  
  --

  I feel that we're in good hands with this guy, he really does care. Alot of people I interviewed were worried more about money than anything else, and Dr Franklin of course has to make a living, but it's apparent to me that he has a good heart.

  Edited by - RevMalk on 29 January 2003 16:15:12
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  SheilaM

  GO REV that is just what the victims need