Becoming a counselor

Becoming a counselor
Thursday January 28, 2010

Dear Alice Miller,

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I am so moved right now – I just read your “The Longest Journey” article. I am moved to tears with hope and with understanding. I’ve spent the last year trying to get in touch with my inner child – the pain is so, so deep, so deep. To see your website up and running by an 87 year old – someone who knows my pain – someone championing the cause for a suffering that society seems to ignore. You are a light, a beacon in my darkness.

It has been such a long, long road, and I am so tired… I was abused by both mother and father, farm hands and school bullies – and sexually abused as well. Every word you write resonates with my experience. This last year I’ve been seeing an Experiential Therapist who uses the visual arts and drama to assist the inner child – I have made miraculous progress – yet the pain is still so deep. My therapist recently told me that I had a childhood even worse than Hitler and Stalin, and yet, I am an example of the Human Spirit’s ability to find healing – even under the worse circumstances. When she said this, I wept to the core of my bone marrow – I felt acknowledged, felt understood.

I did a google search about Hitler and his childhood and came upon your website. I couldn’t believe it. I am 45 years old and am now feeling validated for what I went through. The writings of someone of your personal and professional experiences – has given me hope and a light for me in this darkened, fearful world.

I am in the process of becoming a counselor (I tried 20 years ago, but was so wounded I could barely keep myself alive, let alone, counsel other people). Your material will be a great resource for me, and I wish to follow the path you have begun. If you have any suggestions, I would be so happy to hear from you. Right now I am getting a Marriage and Family Therapist license in a Master’s Counseling program in the state of California. I am wondering how I can focus more on the impulse you are bringing, along with my own personal experiences of a terror filled childhood.

Thank you with all my heart! DH

AM: I wish you well informed people during your training. Read the two first entries on the page “articles” so you are immune against confusion. Read also my recent book “From Rage to Courage”