If I tell someone about what happened, will they try to make me relive it?
23 Answers
Moderated by Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona
Updated: May 11, 2021
Pandette
on
Nov 18, 2014
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I don't think they would make you relive it. Some people find that to be beneficial because they can figure out what part of the incident bothers you the most. I do not think they would put you in the same situation, but they may get you to speak about it. The thing is, every therapist is different and you can always tell them if you are comfortable or not with this.
chenrezig
on
Nov 18, 2014
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It depends entirely upon whether you want to relive it. I feel a good listener should leave that option open to the member. A listener may ask you if you want to talk about an issue from the past but if you dont want to you shouldnt feel pushed into doing it.
Alwaysdreamin
on
Mar 27, 2015
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Not necessarily, only it you want to. It depends on who you tell, but it is good that you are reaching out to others for support. Do you think that living in the past is helpful? My personal opinion is that we need to acknowledge our past and how it is affecting us today, but to live in the present. Hope this is helpful. Thank you for reaching out and talking about your issue. You are very brave and this will help others who may have gone through the same experience. Do you think you should only relive it if you choose? Possibly you could set boundaries with the person you are talking with and do what you feel is most helpful to you.
thisismejessica
on
May 30, 2015
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It seems like what happened is really affecting you and hurting you. Every day, even when you don't talk about it, you are reliving it in your mind. To tell someone you can trust means to have someone to walk alongside you. When you relive this experience with someone you trust, you know you are in the safe place and there's someone next to you to journey with you through it.
Em
on
Jul 27, 2015
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They might ask you to tell you more about it, but it's completely up to you, and you are always welcome to stop them and say that you're feeling like you're reliving that moment when you're repeating it, and that's triggering you. That's more than acceptable to say :)
Anonymous
on
Feb 21, 2016
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It all depends on the person. Only tell people you feel comfortable with, if you fear that they will hurt you, maybe get to know them a little more or test the waters. There will always be someone there to support you, and people who won't make you relive your awful past. But if you do end up feeling uncomfortable or even betrayed, seek help and keep a tight support network.
Anonymous
on
Sep 4, 2018
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Only you can make yourself relive whatever happened in your life. If you choose to tell someone whatever it is that happened, you can go with saying that this happened, but you do not wish to relive it through too many details. You have nothing to be sorry for for not wanting to go back through whatever the situation was again - you have to be the one to look out for yourself and your own mental health and happiness.
However depending on who you tell and what it is, it might be best to let yourself relive the event with the help and support of someone you trust.
Anonymous
on
Jan 11, 2021
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It depends on the person and how effectively you communicate to them how you feel about that event. Usually, if you make your feelings clear, they can be understanding enough to not make you relive it. But it's important for you to know whether this person is someone who will understand the seriousness of your situation or if they might bring it up intentionally, intending it as what might seem to them as a joke or to harm you. But generally, if they are a friend that you trust, then they will be understanding enough not to make you relive it.
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