Posted by daisym on November 29, 2005, at 19:44:22
In reply to Re: I'm too embarrassed to talk about this.... » Dinah, posted by LittleGirlLost on November 29, 2005, at 19:18:20
You are not alone in this. We had a whole thread on this once here...I'll try to find it. Everyone had strategies of how to deal with it. It probably is related in some way to your abuse -- I imagine you feel really vulnerable and exposed. And perhaps, (this is a little out there) the sounds that happen when you go to the bathroom feel like a giant alert system that tells anyone else within ear shot that you are vulnerable and exposed right now. The fear is real and so is your discomfort. It isn't something to be laughed at or be ashamed of.
This could be left over from your early potty training experiences too -- parents sometimes stay with kids and urge them to go and a battle or shaming insues. These are very formative events and stay with us.
Do you have a coworker you can enlist to guard the door for you? Or can you make a "temporary out of order" sign for when you go in? I bet you can scout around near the office for a quick pit stop place too. Starbucks usually has single stalls and they seem to be everywhere.
As far as telling your therapist, maybe take in your post. Certainly you express your fear and discomfort well in it. I'm sure she won't laugh at you.
(((LGL))) Good luck with the move!
poster:daisym
thread:583454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20051118/msgs/583470.html