How to work through childhood trauma when I can't afford therapy?

[Anonymous]

Question title speaks for itself. I don't have the money to get therapy. I'm 32 yet I'm still feeling the effects of childhood trauma and don't know what to do at this point. I've heard of shadow work but I'm not quite sure how that works or what it does.

Updates

7 mo

lol where are you getting $75 sessions a month from? unrealistic.

[caring__1]

What's your likelihood of becoming an astrophysicist just by staring into space on your own? You're also highly unlikely to work through childhood trauma without a guide. Never assume help can't be afforded. Many colleges/universities offer low- to no-cost therapy, so their grad students can get experience. There are also many non-profits that offer no- to low-cost therapy, based on your ability to pay. Many people feel entitled to things for free, yet they'll spend money on non-essentials. I've had freeloader tenants show that pattern. When people pay something, they're more likely to be invested and follow through rather than just give excuses. Don't just settle for any therapist. Make sure the therapist has training and experience in dealing with childhood trauma. There are differences between treatment of childhood trauma and PTSD.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Shadow work is journaling, asking yourself hard questions and analyzing your mental state to try to find the source of the issue. Shadow work is NOT a perfect solution, neither is therapy. If your goal is to learn to identify where your trauma responses come from, shadow work and your typical top-down therapy can help with that. If your goal is to stop having such intense trauma responses from sources you’re already aware of, shadow work may not be great for that and you may more benefit from bottom-up therapy which is things like cbt therapy or regression therapy. It really depends on your needs and what you’re trying to do.

[Anonymous]

There are several online forums where you can openly talk about your issues and find people that can understand you. Online therapy sessions are also usually much more affordable. You can definitely start with journaling, be honest with yourself, try to trace back and pinpoint what kind of trauma do you have (neglect, physical, sexual, emotional, etc) and work your way from there. There are also probably support groups online and offline that you can join. Sending you love and positivity, hopefully things will get better soon xx

[jahaims]

You can't afford $75 a month for a session?

[jahaims]

With online therapy.

[MaxUsefull]

just forgive