Rachel's Hope

Face the secret? An abortion usually becomes "the deep dark secret" that imprints upon the psyche like a photograph frozen in time, with all associated feelings related to that event. The memory of the secret, may go deep into "repressed mode", but the psyche has not lost track of the painful experience. An emotional eruption can occur like a volcano anywhere in time, and often over issues unrelated to a past abortion experience, or so it seems. Unless an abortion is faced head-on and related issues dealt with, there's a much greater chance for current and future relational failures, and the quality of life diminished. (Jim Benefield MFT) At a Rachel's Hope retreat, each woman hears about how others have experienced some similar feelings associated with an abortion, how often relationships dissolve afterwards, and how each tried to cope with their loss, shame and guilt. Each discover they are not alone, and that others can understand their pain. A group retreat is much more cost-effective than individual therapy. Although, there are some who feel they cannot process their pain in a group setting and would rather opt for individual psychotherapy with a therapist trained in post-aborton recovery. (Jim Benefield MFT on staff at Rachel's Hope) Often life-long friends evolve from the retreat. Initially, most men and women (separate groups) express their fears of the retreat, but afterwards say they are glad they didn't give way to their fears. Ask yourself: Was I generally a much happier person before the abortion? Will I ever experience that joy in living again? Will the secrecy of abortion continue to reinforce a lifestyle of deception with my spouse, with others? Will I bring into relationships any unexplained sadness and displace any of my self-hate, self-anger, self-loathing onto current or future relationships, my children, on family members, resulting in breakups, distancing and isolation? Do I avoid going to church because I do not feel "worthy"? Do I avoid relationships because of fear & pain, shame & guilt? Do I need antidepressant medication to keep me from going "crazy"? If you answered yes on any of these you would benefit from a retreat.