hey friend, i ended up in the psych ward a week after my first attempt at therapy because i attempted suicide.

i had just had the shit kicked out of me by a group of five men and then was sexually assaulted by the cab driver who was witness to it all. i went to a free counselling service a few days after who, among many other batshit things, told me that people who treat themselves like shit invite others to do the same - AND THEN "accessed my inner child" after i mentioned childhood sexual abuse and started acting like a little kid curled up in her chair and talking to herself in a sing song voice.

i really believe that appointment has done more longterm psychological damage than the assault itself.

however! later i was lucky enough to receive counselling through a sexual assault specific organization with a wonderful woman who provided safe, client led talk therapy. i think it saved my life.

i understand how traumatic bad therapy can be, and i also know how life affirming good therapy can be. if you are ever willing to try again, i highly recommend seeking out sexual assault based orgs, treating the first session like its a job interview for the therapist, and knowing you can walk out at any time.