Can't Stop Because My Body Won't Let Me

by Quin
(Illinois,USA)

The title sounds bad, but here's the thing. There's a kid in the same grade as me and whenever I see him in recess or in the hall I pinch & poke him. I don't want to do it but my body moves me like a remote controlled robot and I can't stop.

One time I scratched him so close to his eye that if it was 1/2 of a centimeter farther left I would have scratched his eye.

This may sound funny but I'm a girl and don't get the impression I like him.

Response from Dr. DeFoore

Hello Quin, and thanks for telling your story here. I'm not sure what's going on, but I can see why you're concerned. It must be upsetting to find your body doing something you didn't really decide to do. I don't know if I can help, but I'll try.

Here are some things you might try, to see if they work:

1) Tell this guy that you don't really want to do these things, and that you wish you could stop. If you've got the guts to do that, it would probably stop you.

2) Make up a story about the situation, and write it down. In the story, explain why the protagonist (that's you) is bothering the other kid. Just make it up, and see what comes out. It will probably be accurate.

3) Use this two part imagery process for positive mental rehearsal, where you are picturing yourself leaving him alone, and walking right past him at school. If you can see it in your mind's eye, it's more likely to happen.

I hope this helps.

My very best to you,

Dr. DeFoore

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