Simulation Exercise Page 1 Seeking Help Simulation Deciding to journey to overcome sex abuse is not an easy task. There are many challenges, including where you seek help, other peoples responses, reactions and advice. These pages will give you a glimpse into some of the challenges. This is a means to prepare you, not discourage you. You can gain discernment about who to trust and who to believe as you seek to reconnect to who you really are. Scenario: You are 34 and married to James and have been struggling with depression. Your family is worried about you as you have been unable to keep up with your daily activities. You find little pleasure in your flower garden and the music that used to bring comfort and joy. Your best friend suggests you see Dr. Smith, a psychologist who helped her through a depression. You make the appointment. At your first meeting with Dr. Smith, he takes a family history. When he comes to the question about sexual abuse, you have trouble breathing, break out in a cold sweat and believe you are going to die. Dr. Smith gently suggests that you find a support network while you meet, as it is possible that you are a victim of sex abuse. Choose: A. Go to your family and friends or B. Go see your Pastor You take the risk and tell Pastor Dan what Family and Friends – A you have remembered. With your head You tell your family about your experience at hung low you feel the shame as you tell the psychologist’s office and what the Pastor Dan that your mom sexually abused psychologist thinks. Your family is outraged you. He is quiet for a moment, you hold at the suggestion of sexual abuse. You hear: your breath until he speaks. He suggests “Are you sure you’re not making this up? It’s that Jesus doesn’t want you to harbor just a thought Dr. Smith has planted in your resentment. He wants to heal your pain, mind. I knew you shouldn’t have gone there. so you first, must forgive what happened. Mom would never do something like that. You say a prayer of forgiveness before you Don’t you ever talk about that again.” leave and work to forget. You try to manage their reaction: Choose: Choose: A. Go h ome (Home Card B) A. Handle it myself (Alone card) B. Go to family (Family Card B) B. Choose denial (Denial card) Alone Card You already do know the truth – it did happen. Your family will not help you through this. Your family’s reaction leaves you cut off from them. You feel u nlovable and isolated. You remain at home. Choose: A. Isolation Card B. Pain Card
Denial Card You believe your family’s statements and decide not to think about the sexual abuse and return home Go to Home Card A
Connections: A Safe Place, Rebecca Born