How to stop this trauma?

[Anonymous]

I’m traumatized with waist belts, any kinds (leather, etc) and i flinch everytime i hear the sound of the buckle clangs, for example like when someone accidentally dropped them on the floor / hit the table or wall / sound of it getting buckled or unbuckled, etc. My father used to hit me with his belt when i was a kid, especially when i’m so stupid at math. Wasn’t a naughty kid though. Just not so academically smart.

How do i recover from this. I can’t afford therapy and some people say it’s scam

[caring__1]

Exposure therapy, also known as systematic desensitization, has been shown to be an effective phobia treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is also helpful. There are probably low- or no-cost therapy options in your area. Check with your school or a local university or free clinics. There are non-profits that can help.

If you need to do it on your own, get into a relaxed state while holding a belt. Do slow deep breathing the entire time you work on this. Slowly, start moving the belt buckle. As you get accustomed to the sound, you can gradually experiment with different sounds the buckle can make. This must be done very slowly, so you can become desensitized to the sound. Spend a little time every day doing this. After you're comfortable with the sound your are making, you may want to ask someone else to be the one to make the sound. Start very slowly when you change the variables. You may feel like you're starting all over again. In time, it won't hold the same power over you.

[Asker]

I will try it. Thank you

[caring__1]

You're welcome.