Blogging and Group Therapy
I've been blogging now for a couple of months and I must say that I generally find it an excellent experience.
I find it much more manageable than message forums where there will be dozens or hundreds of posts per day (many which are a bit too terse and often off topic). That's a lot to keep up with. I do now follow about three dozen blogs (see my blogroll), but most people don't post every day. What I like about the blogs is that they read more like self-contained articles. I like the therapist blogs because they help me put everything into perspective. I also like the "survivor" blogs (sorry, I can't think of a better word) because they portray the healing journey in many different ways. Many post daily updates which are more like journals. Others make what I call "thinking posts" that give me the opportunity to consider viewpoints I may not have otherwise thought about. Many, like me, post a mix of both.
For me, the community of bloggers I interact with online is like an excellent group therapy experience. But what makes it better than group therapy is that you can do it when you want to and when you are able. Sometimes when I'm feeling particularly disconnected from inside, I'll read some posts or write ahead some draft posts. When I'm feeling upset or triggered, I don't read. Like many other healing activities, this form of "group therapy" needs to be taken seriously. We all need to keep ourselves safe.
I have been particularly appreciative of the quality of comments I see on my blog and on the other blogs I frequent. There is a remarkable sense of respect and support for each other, and mostly none of us really do know each other. And when we disagree, it's done in an equally respectful manner.
So, thank you everyone for my "group therapy". I cherish you all and wish you all peace and healing.
Ditto!
I think traditional therapy can take us only so far. I held off blogging for nearly a year to finish a book on my experiences (I didn't want any outside information to filter in). I am glad I waited for that reason, but I have lost a whole year of being supported by all the bloggers here.
You are so right, and you said it so wonderfully.
Hi, Paul -
I just found your blog and am finding it to be a positive read. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!
I agree -- blogging, as well as the feedback I receive from readers, are a huge part of of my healing!
- Marie (Coming Out of the Trees)
http://mmaaggnnaa.wordpress.com/
I agree! I've never been in group therapy so I can't comment on that, but since I've become more active in the blogosphere, I really have felt less isolated and less "unreal" (if that makes any sense).
Maybe because we've all suffered so much we are more mindful of how we treat each other and whether our words or actions could cause someone else suffering...?
Whatever the reason I am very grateful to have the opportunity to connect with such caring people who also happen to be on the same journey of healing as I am.
I love all the things I'm learning from the different blogs and, as you say, looking at things from so many different perspectives helps tremendously, especially when I'm feeling particularly triggered, or had a rough therapy session (like today).
Thank you everyone for being here!
(and now off to play some of Kate's Games...there's something soothing about playing games posted by another DID person after you've had a particularly intense session...it kind of makes everything a little softer, a little smoother..at least for a time--or until some med decides to kick in anyway...)
The informal community of (amazing) bloggers that I interact with have been vital in helping me understand more about myself and DID. The feeling of validation when you read another blog entry and see your own behaviour is incredible. Suddenly a behaviour or belief that you were so scared to tell anyone because it made you feel crazy, is being talked about by someone else. They understand what it's like and can help you place that behaviour or belief into a context.
As with any form of communication, there are sometimes problems. It's easy to misunderstand or read too much into a comment. But this is also part of learning and healing. I've also been amazed by the respect - even where there have been misunderstandings. It makes it a safer environment in which to have a debate (as opposed to an argument).
Take care...
I find it very therapeutic to read blogs but like you when I'm not in a good enough spot I don't read them. Certain entry subjects I can't even touch so I don't. I look forward to reading blogs and connecting with others and I love to see the growth in people through their healing journey. Blogging is the next best thing to sliced bread I say. :-)
I think the comments are nearly as important as the entries themselves. I've gotten a lot of feedback before showing me ideas and angles I never considered going. I've also been given simple validation that meant a lot. Comments are mega helpful, even the short ones.
Austin
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments.
Paul -
I'm glad I found your site (just today via BTC). I'm new to blogging and am not a frequent poster. Mine is a way of getting things out of my mind onto "paper". When comments come - they are appreciated. I feel fortunate to have found others with similar experiences. I also keep a private electronic journal. Is that an oxymoron?:) I'm sure someeone could read it if they try.
Thanks!
I'm glad you found my site too! I hope you will find it helpful, or at least that you can identify with what I post. I guess, yes, since it's electronic, I can see why you might say it's not all that private. But I've kept private electronic documents for decades, under password protection, on my own disks and, before that, on shared disks in workgroups. But, yes, nothing is truly private. Especially true now with things like Google Docs, a concept which scares the hell out of me, but really shouldn't because it's a natural extension.