Triggers and memories

IT WAS BOUND to happen sooner or later. I've read and heard about it many times.

I was triggered today.

As I sat in a family session with my field instructor, our adolescent client, and her father, I was triggered.

As soon as her father walked in, I knew it. He was my father -- or rather the father of my adolescent years. He was charming, and humorous, and handsome ... and a man in denial that he had a drinking problem. It is important for me to state that my father is sober today, and has been for many years.

I became aware of my feelings and reactions during the session, and I was grateful that I was observing and not leading the family group. There were a few moments when I flashbacked to some painful memories, but I was able to come back to the present moment in a relatively short amount of time. I know this will happen again and that I will be fine.

I was fine today.

I just wanted to say it --and write it -- and to share with you what it was like for me today.

--Ms. T. J.

Triggers and memories