Need some family counselling.

[BeMorePanda]

I'm looking for advice as to how I would go about accessing some family support and counselling.

My 8yo dd is a delight. Except when she is isn't. Tonight we had attempts to smash the tv, I hate you, I hate myself, I want to run away and live in streets, I don't deserve anything, I'm very angry, I don't know what to do, I hate my life - you get the picture. All about nothing really. We were having a lovely time and then it all kicked off.

Trouble is her father was very verbally abusive to me. I ended the relationship 4 years ago.

It seems cliched to use the word triggering, but when my 8yo dd is like this I find myself feeling very triggered. Panicked. Unable to react properly. Withdrawn. Upset.

I want to help and support her but I am actually frozen inside when she is like this. I dint know what to do. I don't want to let her down. But I don't know how to cope - I just want to be completely away from her.

We need some help and support but I don't know where to start.

[Suzcat78]

Sorry to hear things aren't great with you and your DD at the moment! Trust me it happens and we all need an escape sometimes! It might be worth contacting your GP and they can offer advice and refer you to family services. I had a similar situation and realised it was me that needed help. For counselling it's also worth contacting Mind charity as they can do an assessment for counselling and see what would work best for your situation and offer the best counselling for you.

Hope that helps

[BeMorePanda]

I've recently had NHS counselling for myself. It was ok. We didn't address the abusive relationship as such. It's in the past and I don't feel the need.

I'm just astonished with the super strong flight response I have to her attacks.

I feel like if I don't handle this properly I'm going to really fuck her up.

I can't help or support her. Tonight it was all I could do to be still and quiet and stay in the room with her until she calmed down.