POLITICS AND THERAPY – AN UNHEALTHY COMBINATION

The Left's false narrative of inclusivity and tolerance is rearing its ugly head everywhere. Conservatives are losing jobs, being blacklisted, boycotted, and censored. We are attacked for having faith and morals.  One would think a haven from verbal abuse exists somewhere, such as a Facebook page where therapists, counselors, and lay counselors gain insight into new techniques and receive encouragement and advice from time to time. Well, so much for that. 

A little background:   In 1977 and 1980, I had abortions, resulting in increased alcohol abuse and other unsavory behavior. It was the only way I could find to relieve a constant state of sadness, anger, and despair. I attempted therapy several times, to no avail. In 1997 I finally hit my emotional and alcoholic bottom and ended up institutionalized after becoming suicidal. Looking back, I realized that during attempts at therapy and my institutionalization, not once was abortion brought up. It was not until twelve years later when I heard a woman speak of abortion trauma, that my abortions were released from their hiding place and addressed. Had the therapists, psychiatrist, or alcohol counselors asked about abortion, would it have exposed the trauma earlier? Would it have spared me from suffering twelve or more years?

Curiosity got the better of me. I went to that Facebook page and asked the following question: Do you include abortion on your intake forms?

I am sure many perused my profile before responding. How do I know? Try being described as a (gasp) pro-lifer and a Christian, then add religious fanatic, spy, racist, and a danger to women. I am involved in a healing ministry, yet according to one attacker, I am in the business of shaming women who have had abortions. I guess in liberal-land, healing and shame go hand in hand? The most callous response was that women do not regret abortion, comparing an unwanted child to a pimple – once popped, it goes away - out of sight, out of mind. Now on to the results.  

Sifting through the personal attacks, I found that most therapists/counselors do not include abortion on their intake form. Some even went as far as to say it was none of their business. What? Then what is their business? A small number indicated they included pregnancy loss; however, women who have experienced abortion don't consider it a "loss" because it was a choice. The prevailing definition of pregnancy loss is miscarriage or stillbirth.  

My goal was to gain insight into the current mindset of the mental health community as a whole.  I know there are Christian therapists out there that do address abortion and sometimes even refer their clients to healing.  I pray the Facebook page is not representative of the community as a whole. However, the responses are clear indicators that liberal ideology has slithered in. It is alarming how a simple question could provoke such hatred by people in the business of healing. 

Yes, abortion is a controversial and emotional topic, but should the mental health community turn a blind eye at the expense of helping those traumatized by it? Any mental health professional who puts political ideology before the needs of those suffering should consider a career change.