Sunday, May 30, 2010

soap box

update 6/1: linking up with Emily at chatting at the sky.

I want to write, for both of my readers, about a topic that's kept pretty quiet. Counseling. At least in the Christian realm it's usually talked about with whispers. I've come to the realization, however, that people need help, and God has granted some faithful men and women the gift of counseling. So many avoid seeking professional help because they're afraid others will think they are crazy or that they don't pray enough or have enough faith. I know this: I could not have gotten through this eating disorder relatively unscathed without professional help. I had no idea how to help me; Chris had no idea how to help me. Although my therapy today is non-intensive, I'm still there. Seeking support from Shirley as I walk this new road. I had a notable visit last week about which I've written in revision. (ed is the eating disorder.) Please, if you are up against a monster or know someone who is, seek help. And check yourself before you speak with derision about someone who is in counseling. We're just trying to get better.

revision
i had a full docket
to discuss with Shirley
yesterday
sadness dogs me from behind
change lies in wait
i talked and cried
an hour without a lull
when she closed my red folder
i thought she would say
get in here next week
you’ll never make it
but
she said
you’ve talked about a lot today
kendal
do you know what
you’ve described?
a life
you’ve barely mentioned
ed
you are living a life
and then
i approached the scale
and my weight
was right where it should be
and i
relaxed
smiled
leaned into this living

14 comments:

  1. love my sister so much. I do.

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  2. This brought me to tears, Kendal. You are a blessing.

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  3. So proud of you Kendal. You and your writings are such blessings. Thank you for sharing your journey.

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  4. Way to go Kendal. I applaud you for your courage and strength to continue to grow.

    Love You,

    Jill

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  5. This is so moving Kendal. You are an amazing , strong lady.

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  6. Wow, I am so glad I stopped by here this morning. You are an inspiration. My cousin suffered from anorexia -- I know, at least from a distance what you endure.

    I'm thanking God for your voice today!

    Michelle
    P.S. Love therapy, too! Highly recommend it, and I have no problems admitting that I've seen a counselor off and on for the last decade (there is a stigma though; I know what you mean).

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  7. hugs to you, kendal. this is very moving-exquisit to share.

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  8. Thank you for this post Kendal, and your vulnerability as you bring awareness to this important issue. Going to therapy is good, healthy, and a safe context to share what's going on in our lives. It's true that it would be wonderful to just have friends that we can confide in, and not have to pay for empathy, support, and insight. But there is something about the professional boundaries in therapy that invites healing to occur where it often can't in other contexts. It is unfortunate that we all carry around negative images regarding "mental health" and "psychotherapy"; images that provoke judgement, isolation and misunderstanding.
    www.soulfullcafe.com

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  9. Thank you for the candid and encouraging post that leads to health, hope and healing.

    And YAY for you for living life!

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  10. That was beautifully written. Oh, boo HOO! I needed that. My 11-year-old son is nearly as tall as I am (and I'm almost 5'10") -- his feet are exactly as long as mine. Next year he starts Middle School, and it's far worse for me, emotionally, than kindergarten ever was.

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  11. That comment was supposed to go along with the wal-mart piece. *sigh*

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  12. That comment was supposed to go along with the wal-mart piece. *sigh*

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  13. Thank you for this post Kendal, and your vulnerability as you bring awareness to this important issue. Going to therapy is good, healthy, and a safe context to share what's going on in our lives. It's true that it would be wonderful to just have friends that we can confide in, and not have to pay for empathy, support, and insight. But there is something about the professional boundaries in therapy that invites healing to occur where it often can't in other contexts. It is unfortunate that we all carry around negative images regarding "mental health" and "psychotherapy"; images that provoke judgement, isolation and misunderstanding.
    www.soulfullcafe.com

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  14. This brought me to tears, Kendal. You are a blessing.

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