Tomorrow I take off for Indiana as I have twice a year for the past eight years. I will be going to see my friend Hal Pepinsky. He is a professor at Indiana University in the Criminal Justice Department. In 2000, Hal asked me to come present my story of abuse to his classes, one a sophomore and junior class of 200-300 students, and the other a senior and graduate seminar of 25-35 students.
At first, I told my story and showed the artwork I'd done in my process of healing. Many of the students heard and saw things they never imagined would take place in these United States. And few could imagine that the government and military would participate in the abuse. This was a forum for me to grow, heal and be heard, as well as develop a friendship with Hal.
Hal's thrust is making peace, both within the criminal justice system and within ourselves. The students appreciate his methods because they too can be heard without threat of lowering grades. They have the right to their opinions and feel free to express them. They are asked to share their reactions to the presenters that Hal brings into the classroom.
From that first year til now, I have been gratified by the students reactions as expressed both in person and through a University network which they all share. My process also changed over the years, from an urgency to tell my story, to sharing my hope for the future...a hope I was not sure I would ever have. But each time I spoke, I grew. The demons that had haunted me in my childhood and caused me to split (become multiple) had less and less power. They diminished.
For this I am so grateful that I met Hal and that he felt I would be a good source of inspiration to his students. Now it is with sadness that I say that Hal is retiring this year and I won't be making the trip to Indiana anymore...either to see my friend or to speak to his students. He is moving on, but not out of my life. I can't imagine not having my friend email me and sign it l&p (love and peace). Thank you, Hal.
PS. I'm interested in speaking to other groups, both as an educator and as an inspirational speaker. Please contact me if you have an interest in what I have to say.
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5 comments:
I am a student in Hal's class and I wanted to thank you for speaking! I had never heard about ritual abuse before this class and feel really fortunate to have been able to hear a survivor like you talk. Hearing about your healing process showed me that no matter what someone goes through, it is possible to overcome it. What you went through is one of the worst things i have ever heard of and yet you try your hardest to not let it affect your life. Thank you so much for making the trip and for putting so much work into your website. It really helped me understand more about ritual abuse.
I also wanted to thank you for coming to our class. You a such an inspiration to me. I have seen you twice now at IU. You are an amazing woman that has gone through so much in your life. You have a beautiful smile on your face. Have done a remarkable job recovering. Keep up the good work and let you story be known.
Dejoly's life story has helped to give insight into Multiple Personality Disorder and abuse recovery. She is a courageous person and an inspiration to anyone who has experienced trauma.
Angela Underdown, LPC
Hi deJoly, hey world. In my case retirement is sweet, not least for what you deJoly for one have taught me. thanks! l&p hal (pepinsky@indiana.edu)
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