Controversial Treatment

[The Albatross]

Very glad that you are seeking a trauma therapist and understand the allure of having a family member connection who loves you and is determined to help you. I think though that due to the efforts undertaken by your brother and the others in the group, and who (though you view him as a victim of warped religious views) "[My brother] will not give up trying to bring me into his religion" is really the matter at hand.

Boundaries yes, treatment options aside and away from this faith based bent, and assistance about how/if this relationship with your brother can exist beneficially outside the context of his religious views.

 

[MichelleMillen]

Very glad that you are seeking a trauma therapist and understand the allure of having a family mem...

Thank you, Albatross, for your insightful reply. My ideal relationship with my brother is to simply exclude our religious beliefs from our relationship but he is determined to help me and his religion is his only answer. I do love him and don't want to lose him. I admit I do not argue with him or contradict him when he talks about the healing power of his God; so far my coping method is to let him speak and try to be honest with what I believe. I am not a Christian, I am not religious, but I do believe a higher power exists and that it has an influence in my life. That's where it ends. I don't know if it's my brother's God, I doubt it is the judgemental, racist, xenophobic and angry God my father raised me to believe in. I feel comfortable with my beliefs because they are based on fact and experience, not faith or someone else's teachings. I want to find a place with my brother where he accepts that and maybe just enjoy being together. I know trauma therapy will help me a lot. Your advice was very wise and I agree with it. Thank you so much.