Another Mental Health Session
Monday, November 3, 2008 - 6:10 PM I went to the mental health clinic this morning and had a session with my social worker. Everything went nicely on an overall basis. We discussed the e-mails and phone calls I have been receiving from both my brother and sister recently. It is his feeling that they are trying to "craft" new relationships with me. Dale says he feels they are trying to express their love for me, but I seem to have a problem believing that anyone would want to love me. I said that our mother had told me repeatedly that I was a burden on the family, and that was said so often, that it is now ingrained in my mind. He wanted to know how my sister felt about this, and I told him that both my sister and her daughter had forbidden me to use the term "burden" in their presence. He wants to meet with my psychologist, my brother, and me in two weeks. My sister is not to be included this time because she has already met with Dale and I alone on two other occasions. I sent my brother an e-mail tonight, giving him the date and time when we would like to meet with him. I am sure he will be there unless we have some bad weather by then. Quotes for Hope: "If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary." Jim Rohn
Replies
Okie dokie then.
My inclination is to just not think about it until you meet. Wondering would be a waste of energy. Any interaction you have to have with them before that, stay on the subject or task at hand.
Approach it like a jog I guess.
I know that doesn\'t feel very family or loving, but it may keep things from straying if you gently keep everybody on point.
Hugs and Mojo
Weebs
Hmmm. I worry. I was told by a therapist that past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior. Do you feel your brother has changed over the years?
Here\'s my perception: Your brother has no idea what an AWESOME brother he has. If he did, he wouldn\'t have stolen your money under the pretense of it being best for you. He wouldn\'t act like his addiction is any different than your own.
You see that your mother may have created that dynamic and you are so incredibly logical considering how you\'ve been wronged.
You are so incredibly brave and strong, Jim. Amazing. Inspiring.
It may be that your mother created a screwed up dynamic that you are powerless to change. Maybe not though. As Weebs says, no point thinking about it.
Hugs to you,
Sam
Oh sheebus... That was SUPPOSED TO BE \'approach it like a JOB\'.
Fat fingers strike again.
w h a m
The only way my brother has changed over the years (in our relationship) is in going from bad to worse. I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt, and to think he really was not aware of stealing the money, but I am sorry to say that I am no longing a very trusting person. (That may also have something to do with the sexual abuse I received throughout the years by countless numbers of people.)
My brother acts like he has no addiction. I am pretty sure some denial plays into that.
My brother, sister, and I were all abused by mother. The kinds of abuse vary from one to another.
I\'ll keep working with everyone on at least getting my own problems straightened out to a point where I can live with myself.
As long as that is what is going on and you aren\'t trying to help them in any way, if that makes sense? Save them? Because you are so far ahead of them that they simply cannot catch up to you in this lifetime. I guess you can continue to be the gracious and exemplary human you are, if in doubt.