Because it Didn't Stop when it Ended

This is a true story of an incredible relationship between Hilary, a therapist, and Patricia, a woman who suffered horrific abuse in her childhood. It was a different kind of relationship from what Patricia had known. It was one where abuse had no place and where trust could grow, allowing the process of therapy to do its best work. In this moving account, Patricia recounts how Hilary enables her to connect with feelings she vaguely knew but couldn't name. Using prose and poetry taken from the pages of her journal, Patricia illustrates how the relationship with Hilary enables her to find and reach out to Little Me, the little girl hidden deep within and whom she had disconnected from because of the abuse. A trauma so damaging and long-lasting that it didn't stop when the abuse ended, causing her emotions to be frozen in time. With Hilary's dedication and commitment, and Patricia's determination, the deep inner sense of badness, guilt and shame she had existed with begins to reduce as she learns to trust that Hilary will be 'there for the long haul' and 'with her every step of the way, through so much darkness and so much pain', enabling her to begin to love and accept herself.