New here

[Chessa]

New here...not quite sure where I fit...both child and adult.
  I really like all of the information and it is nice to be among others who understand...although it makes me sad that others are suffering.

[AphoticAtramentous]

Welcome to the forum, Chessa. ^^

[Kat]

Welcome!  I feel the same.  Both glad and sorry you're here.  I look forward to learning more about you when you're ready. 

[Three Roses]

Welcome! You're free to choose wherever you feel is most appropriate for yourself. That's one thing we are big on, here - the self. Self-expression that we've been discouraged from in the past. Self-definition, deciding who we are without others' input. Self-empowerment, finding the answers to our own questions instead of blindly following someone who tells us what to do, how to heal.

The way I understand it, we are set-up by childhood trauma to have dysfunctional coping patterns. We practice what is called "the repetition compulsion", compulsively re-creating or being drawn to the patterns that existed in our past, because they're familiar no matter how sick they are.

According to psychiatrist and researcher, Bessel van der Kolk, "Many traumatized people expose themselves, seemingly compulsively, to situations reminiscent of the original trauma. These behavioral reenactments are rarely consciously understood to be related to earlier life experiences."

(https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/anxiety-zen/201603/why-do-we-repeat-the-past-in-our-relationships)

Thank you for joining! Please feel free to join in anywhere that draws you in, whether it's old posts or newer, or creating your own thread. Together, our voices will help draw attention to CPTSD.

[Sceal]

Welcome Chessa!

[Blueberry]

Welcome from me too, Chessa. 

[Chessa]

Thank you for the warm welcome and the information!
I am currently seeing a Dr., and receiving EMDR treatment.  I know it is working no matter how intense it is.  I'm very grateful to have found a Dr. who specializes in both C-PTSD and EMDR.  I look forward to discovering who I am...and living a "normal" life.
  Thank you all for being here!