My recovery from PTSD caused by childhood witnessing of intimate partner violence
Intimate partner violence has become an epidemic in various parts of Canada, casting a dark shadow over communities like Sarnia, Ontario (1). This deeply rooted issue has intensified in recent years, leading to homelessness, mental health struggles (2), and enduring trauma for countless children. The repercussions ripple through society, manifesting as excessive fear, challenges in forming safe relationships, PTSD, and the unsettling perpetuation of violence across generations (3).
At 76, I find myself reflecting on my lifetime shaped by domestic violence. Growing up amidst the extreme aggression my father directed toward my mother left me hypervigilant, anxious, and perpetually fearful, profoundly impacting my ability to feel secure around men. Despite seeking solace in counselling, support groups, and various psychotherapeutic methods, the haunting memories persisted, casting a shadow over my life during moments of stress. Though my journey included having a supportive neighbour (4), exploration of personal growth, diverse therapies, and even training as a psychotherapist, the lingering effects endured.
A turning point came when I discovered “Finding Joy – Trauma Treatment Technique,” a transformative treatment modality developed by Teeya Scholten, PhD (5). I embarked on the Finding Joy protocol several years ago. I had a total of 15 sessions over a three-year period (Nov. 2019-Nov. 2022). Using a PTSD Screening Tool, we measured my symptoms, revealing a significant improvement over time.
PTSD Dimension Scores – Progress Over Time (July 2020), (Oct 2022), (Nov. 2022), Follow-up (Nov. 2023)
- Arousal: 6, 3, 0, 0
- Numbing: 2, 1, 0, 0
- Avoidance: 2, 1, 0, 0
- Vigilance: 1, 0, 0, 0
- Total Score: 11, 5, 0, 0
As a result, I have experienced profound relief and a newfound sense of peacefulness. As of November 2022, those around me noticed a positive change, unable to pinpoint why I appeared healthier and happier. And as of Nov. 2023, the PTSD scores show that it has lasted!
Finding Joy has equipped me to handle stress more effectively, eliminating nighttime fears and preventing overreactions to conflict or reliance on substances to numb pain. Finally, I have found peace.
My journey underscores the importance of addressing the far-reaching impact of intimate partner violence. There is hope that transformative approaches like Finding Joy can bring peace to those who have endured its lasting effects. If you or someone you know is grappling with the aftermath of domestic violence, there is hope, and there is help.
List of References:
- Jabakhanji, S. (2023, July 20). Toronto declares gender-based, intimate partner violence an epidemic. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/intimate-partner-violence-epidemic-1.6912359
- Hula, T. (2023, Sept. 6). Intimate Partner Violence declared an epidemic. https://sarnianewstoday.ca/sarnia/news/2023/09/06/intimate-partner-violence-declared-an-epidemic-in-lambton
- Chan, A., Alif, A, & Nelson, B.S. (2023). The Impact of Family and Demographic Factors on Intergenerational Transmission of Violence, New York University, Applied Psychology Opus, https://wp.nyu.edu/steinhardt-appsych_opus/the-impact-of-family-and-demographic-factors-on-intergenerational-transmission-of-violence/
- Birch, J. (2023, Dec. 9). The Lucky Girl: A Tale of Resilience and Unexpected Angels. Medium. http://medium.com/@jonibirch19
- Scholten, T. (2023). Certification Training Manual for Finding Joy — Trauma Treatment Technique (6th Edition). Scholten Psychological Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. See https://findingjoy-ttt.com/