Julie L's Journey: Healing from Covert Incest and Intimacy Struggles
I always wanted to be touched like I would when my parents' friends would come over for dinner, like I would sit really close to them and usually they would rub my back.
Imagine navigating life with the shadow of covert incest looming over your childhood. In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', Julie L opens up about her deeply personal experience with covert incest, a form of emotional abuse that often flies under the radar. Julie recounts her complex relationship with her mother, who she believes had Borderline Personality Disorder, and her father, who was safer but extremely codependent.
These dynamics created a tangled web of emotional confusion and intimacy struggles that followed her into adulthood. Julie bravely discusses how these early experiences left her yearning for non-sexual touch and comfort, a need that complicated her adult relationships. Through candid storytelling, she shares her path to healing via somatic therapy, a method that focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body.
This therapy has been a cornerstone in her journey towards understanding and overcoming the blurred boundaries of her past. Paul Gilmartin and Julie's conversation is raw and honest, shedding light on the often-overlooked topic of covert incest. They explore how such experiences can distort one's understanding of intimacy and trust, making it difficult to form healthy relationships later in life. Julie's story is a testament to the power of sharing our deepest pains to find healing.
For anyone grappling with similar issues, this episode offers not just insight but also hope. It underscores the importance of finding the right therapist and the transformative power of speaking out. Tune in to hear Julie L's courageous journey and join the conversation on breaking the silence around trauma.