The Void

The void is another very important inner state - a state of mind that must be healed, explored and eventually filled before the mental anguish caused by a troubled childhood can be left behind. The "void" is a terrifying chasm into which they are constantly afraid of falling. (See Atlantis, the Imagery Newsletter, December, 1989, The Void).

An un-healed "void" is associated with a different kind of suffering than that associated with the "inner abuser." The person with the "void" experiences terrifying emotional falls into the abyss, a sense of complete loss of control, fear of insanity, insanity itself, a sense that one's life has no solid foundation. People feel as if they are falling apart at the seams - or that they are like a building that is crumbling. Not only must the void be acknowledged and explored, it is my opinion that calling on "the spiritual" is essential to the healing of the void. Ultimately, the void is caused by a failure of consistent love. And it is best healed by opening up to consistent, un-failing love. That is a kind of love not often found amongst us mortals. But I have found that when people bring a "higher love" into their lives, into their awareness, slowly the void can heal. I, personally, have not seen patients healing the void without bringing this "higher love."

It is not enough to help patients recognize and explore their "wounded inner child," their "void," and their "inner abuser." Abused children grow up to be adults who have problems with boundaries, of knowing where they start and where they end - and where others start and end. They can invade others' space either physically or by dominating a conversation with a very loud voice, thus crossing the boundary of socially-appropriate vocal volume. On the other hand, they may experience others invading their space. Or they may simply be unable to say the word "no." Everyone, and especially people with borderline personality, must learn to say "no," and "stop." They also need to learn to say "Please help," "I need such-and-such." I believe it is my job to do this kind of teaching in addition to the explorations through guided imagery.