Learning How To Value Myself After Experiencing Abuse: Meg's Story

Meg's experience with BetterHelp

"I have tried other forms of counseling. I did in-person counseling as a child when my parents divorced, and my mom wanted us to have someone to talk to. I have also been to counselors at different points in my life. Most recently, I went to a guy through a friend's suggestion, and although he provided me with a safe place to talk about my challenges, he had a more passive listening style. 

I was dissatisfied with my appointments with this therapist because I often felt judged and weird about letting all the layers of myself out in front of him. I also needed a more active approach to therapy. I am a doer—I like to solve problems by physically acting and making changes. Having someone to listen to me is helpful, but I can get that from friends. I like professionals that can give me tips and tricks to overcome my insecurities. 

Honestly, I hesitated to try online counseling because I had always felt forced to do it. I wanted to work through all my problems independently, and I never wanted to discuss them with someone else because I thought I was strong enough to handle them independently, as I always have. Cost also played a huge role in my apprehension to do counseling. It was often expensive, or my insurance did not cover the counselors I liked.

I found an ad for BetterHelp on Instagram because my friends and old roommates were using it, so it kept popping up on my feed. I ended up signing up because I needed to find someone to talk to about my major insecurities affecting my daily life. I researched and decided it might help me since my schedule has been busy. 

I have a past of severe sexual abuse and manipulation that I have suppressed for years. In January, there had been a significant development in my memories of my past, which involved one of my best friends. I finally had the courage to speak to my mother about it. After 10+ years, I decided I needed help because it affected how I viewed myself and harmed my self-worth. 

My first phone call with Tricia, my counselor on BetterHelp, was on July 2nd. I have spoken with her at least once a week and sometimes twice a week. I've also had a few exchanges with her via the message room, not always on the phone. Since starting therapy with Tricia, I have noticed some significant improvements. I have started to learn how to value myself more than I did before. I have been taking a different look at myself than when I started, and Tricia gives me cues and exercises to complete when I am feeling down or upset. She is an active listener and gives me real-time advice rather than being a passive listener.

I've learned so much from Tricia, even in my limited time working with her. Now, I have effective tools I can use when I'm feeling down or going through a hard time. She has given me a valuable perspective and helped me be more mindful and open about my struggles.

So far, my most significant achievement has been making strides toward changing my perspective on myself. I have been adjusting my attitude over the past few weeks, little by little, and it has made such a difference. Exploring boundaries and how I can set them up for myself in existing and new relationships has been a significant milestone. I love that I can write down what happens so that Tricia and I can explore it again later. BetterHelp has been a fantastic service for me." 

Counseling options 

Meg's experiences with Tricia are part of an extensive group of thousands of clients who use online therapy to find support. As Meg mentions, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp can offer flexibility in scheduling for those with a busy schedule, and you may be able to message your therapist 24/7, receiving responses when they are available. 

With an online platform, you can be matched with a counselor with experience in abuse, among many other topics. In addition, research shows that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy and often more cost-effective.