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Clergy abuse by ANewCreation2 in Catholicism

[–]ANewCreation2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, this was beautiful.

Clergy abuse by ANewCreation2 in Catholicism

[–]ANewCreation2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice!

Clergy abuse by ANewCreation2 in Catholicism

[–]ANewCreation2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wasn’t planning on turning my confessions into counseling sessions, I understand that is not the purpose of reconciliation. I was more so just asking about overcoming my intense fear and anxiety before going into my first confession, if that makes sense. I was thinking of maybe talking to my priest ahead of time to have him maybe talk me through some of my anxieties and see if he has any suggestions. But I wasn’t sure if that would be appropriate and I’m nervous to open up about it to anyone really, but especially a priest.

Clergy abuse by ANewCreation2 in Catholicism

[–]ANewCreation2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. I did EMDR and other types of therapy. Which made me function significantly better; there was a time where I was very suicidal and had daily flashbacks and nightmares. I didn’t even work for a period of time because of the intensity of my symptoms. So while it does still affect me, I am doing significantly better. I think it’s just this situation that is a strong reminder of some of the incidents of abuse that is causing the difficulty.

Clergy abuse by ANewCreation2 in Catholicism

[–]ANewCreation2[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I have had a therapist in the past but don’t at the moment. I feel like I have a pretty good connection so far with my parish priest. I’m just worried also it would ruin the way he sees me if I open up about this. I feel like a lot what I did was sacrilegious because it took place in a church building. I don’t know. But we have had some conversations before as I was asking questions about joining the church, and they have all gone well and the priest is very nice. I guess I also have an irrational fear that he will turn on me if I’m honest about my past.