Abortion Resolution Workbook
A Guide for Those Seeking Emotional and Spiritual Resolution
Dear Reader,
If you are having a hard time after an abortion experience, there is help for you. This workbook can guide you through some basic steps to feeling better emotionally and spiritually. It can also give you suggestions about further help. It may also be useful if you just want more resolution about an abortion experience.
Right now you may be feeling just “bad”—about yourself, about others, about your decisions. It is completely normal to have many feelings, even opposite feelings like sad and relieved at the same time. This guide will help you pay attention to your feelings, understand the whole complex situation you are in, and find some new ways of looking at your experience. Although it may be hard to believe right now, you can get back to your normal life, and actually learn more about yourself as well as develop life-long coping skills.
It may be difficult to ask for help but that may be exactly what you need to feel better. There are many exercises that you have to do for yourself, but you will probably get to a point where you need to tell others how you feel and what you need. The important thing is to START the process and take it one step at a time.
Healing takes time. There is no “schedule” of healing—each person is different. Don’t rush yourself or expect to feel better all at once. Complete each step and take the time to think about any insights you may have. Be kind to yourself. You are a good person in a hard situation and with a little help, you can get through this. You have all it takes!
A word about language: We want to be as inclusive as possible for anyone involved in an abortion experience. We sometimes use “women, people, and/or pregnant people”, because we recognize that not everyone who gets pregnant identifies either as a woman or as female. Instead of “he/ she” or “him/her” you may see “they/them’’ which may seem awkward at first but includes everyone who has had a pregnancy and abortion experience.
Thank you and good luck!
Peg Johnston
Southern Tier Women’s Health Services, LLC
Creator of the Pregnancy Options Workbook
Mercedes Sanchez
Cedar River Clinics
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction: How to Use This Guide
Section 2: After Abortion Emotional Health
Section 3: Signs That Healing Is Needed
Section 4: Feeling Your Feelings
Section 5: The Factors In Your Situation
Section 6: What Is The World Telling You About Yourself?
Section 7: Making Positive Messages My Own
Section 8: Review of My New Messages to Myself
Section 9: What Does Resolution Look Like?
Section 10: Marking Your Progress
Section 11: Helpful Healing Ideas and Exercises
Appendix A: What It’s Like to Talk With a Counselor
Appendix B: Formal Rituals From Religions and Traditions
Appendix C: Note to “Healing Partners”
Appendix D: Note to Counselors
Appendix E: Note to Clergy
Appendix F: Resources
Credits
Notes and Reflections
Coming soon to Kindle!