Karla is learning how to heal the pain of childhood trauma by working through it with her Teladoc therapist.
Karla R. is used to taking care of people. She’s a wife and mother, and has worked as a nurse practitioner near Kansas City, Missouri, for 20 years. “Nursing is very much a calling,” says Karla, who now works with military veterans.
When it comes to healing herself, however, Karla knew she needed help. The stress of COVID-19 lockdown measures started to take their toll when the 58-year-old could no longer get out and about to distract herself. “I’m an extrovert, so I like to get out. Because I was not able to run from my problems anymore, all my emotions came to the surface.”
Karla’s anger started to get the better of her. Losing her patience with her colleagues at a Department of Veterans Affairs health facility made Karla realize she needed to talk to someone. Karla knew her negative emotions had deep roots that she needed help to address. “I knew I had to get help for myself, for my family and for my patients.”
Sometimes, you can’t run anymore
Karla is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. After her abuser died in 2019—right before the pandemic started—Karla faced a range of emotions. “I was mad, then I was sad. He was my family, after all. Those things that happened when we were little suddenly came to the surface.”
That’s when Karla turned to her Teladoc therapist for help. Together, they are taking Karla’s healing slow. Karla meets with her Teladoc therapist every couple of weeks. She also has homework assignments to complete in between appointments. “She’s very friendly,” Karla says about her therapist. “She’s relatable. I just felt connected to her. She is really helping me.”
Karla R. from Kansas City, Missouri, is learning how to cope with childhood trauma with the help of a Teladoc therapist. Karla, second from the left, is pictured with her family. Courtesy: Karla.
Virtual therapy offers Karla flexibility
The ease and flexibility of virtual therapy help Karla balance her mental health with her everyday life. As a nurse, it would be difficult for Karla to take time off work to focus on her mental health. “I don’t want my patients to suffer,” she explains. With Teladoc, Karla can schedule appointments that work for her schedule and her own patients’ needs.
Because of Karla’s history, she looked for someone who specializes in trauma. Karla was able to select her therapist from a list based on her specialty.
“I definitely feel a change since I started talking with my therapist,” says Karla.
Karla had never done virtual therapy before, but she said the connection with her therapist felt natural. “It hasn’t been forced,” she says of her virtual appointments.
Now, Karla’s on a path to healing
“I definitely feel a change since I started talking with my therapist. You feel a certain amount of shame when something like that happens to you,” Karla says of her abuse. “I realize it’s not my fault. I can tell my story and not feel ashamed about it because it wasn’t me. I was little.”
Karla feels hopeful about the future and grateful for the opportunity to see a therapist through Teladoc. “The work is not easy, but her helping me has been easy. It may not be for everyone, but in my case, it’s working.”
If you’re curious about how therapy can help improve your relationships, you can read more on the Teladoc blog. Learn more about Teladoc therapy services or take our quiz to find out if therapy might be right for you.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 24 hours a day at 800-656-4673.
Published April 11, 2022
Updated on January 3, 2023
The testimonials, statements and opinions presented here are applicable to the individuals depicted or quoted. Each member’s exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each member. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid.
