HOW To Ask For Help & Find The Right Therapist

SUMMARYThis podcast episode discusses the importance of asking for help, how to find the right therapist and how best to provide advice to abuse or trauma victims.Annette Oltmans from The Mend Project emphasizes the need to seek qualified and compassionate individuals when reaching out for help to avoid exacerbating trauma. She suggests starting with a small portion of one's story and testing the waters with a potential helper.She encourages victims to trust their gut and not feel obligated to stick with a therapist who doesn't feel right. Annette also discusses how to approach children or teenagers who may have experienced abuse and the importance of listening, validating, empathizing, and providing support without judgment. Additionally, Annette introduces the concept of "double abuse," where poorly responding to a victim's disclosure can worsen their trauma. Hear her share the healing model of compassion instead.LESSONS1 .Seek qualified and compassionate individuals when reaching out for help, especially in cases of abuse or trauma2. Start by sharing a small portion of your story to test the response of potential helpers3. Trust your instincts and don't feel obligated to continue with a therapist who doesn't feel right4. Approach children and teenagers who may have experienced abuse with calm, patience and support5. Listen actively to victims without interrupting and provide validation for their experiences6. Empathize with victims by trying to understand their perspective and feelings7. Avoid judgment and criticism when offering support to victims8. Be aware of the concept of "double abuse" and the potential harm of responding poorly to disclosures9. Implement a healing model of compassion that includes steps like listening, accepting, empathizing, validating, identifying, encouraging, and grieving with the victim10. Believe the victim and refrain from making assumptions or pressuring them into quick decisions11. Create a safe and supportive environment for victims to share their experiences and seek help12. Recognize the importance of social support in a victim's healing processRESOURCESTheMendProject.com and the Healing Model of CompassionBook mentioned “Invisible Heroes” by Belleruth NaparstekNEW! If you'd like to help sustain this podcast project to help empower others too, buy your host a coffee. Coffee Cheers!You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared to message her.Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.Send me a message