Meet Carey Jones
Healing and Support for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Practical Help for Parents and Educators
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Carey Jones was my imaginary friend, my major companion, and my only confidante when I was four and five years old. I cherished her because she knew and understood everything about me without having to tell her anything, and she loved me anyway. She gave me compassion, comfort, understanding, and nonjudgmental support.
I don't remember the details of creating Carey Jones. Physically, I just felt her presence; I never really needed to create an image of her. It was enough to know her essence. She was always there for me, and she intuitively knew my hidden thoughts and emotions.
In my mind, Carey represented everything that is good — everything anyone would want in a friend.
As I grew older, it became common knowledge within our family that I had created an imaginary friend when I was young. Every Christmas, I received a gift from Carey Jones, which was my mother's loving gesture. At one point, when I was older, I asked my mother how she knew that Carey Jones was my imaginary friend. With a warm smile, my mother gently explained that it wasn’t hard to discern after walking into a room where I was having a conversation at a tea party, but I was the only person in the room.
I remember feeling that Carey was truly there. I remember the table and setting the many tea parties for two people. In my heart, I had a simple inner knowing of a greater presence accompanying me. Now, with my belief system and faith, I would say that Carey Jones was my young child's version of feeling God's presence, or my guardian angel.
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About the Book
Meet Carey Jones is the result of twelve years of therapy and support groups. What began as a healing journey for the author evolved into research and presentation of help for others. This book is beneficial for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It also provides excellent information for parents and educators helping a child to recover from sexual abuse while providing valuable guidance on the prevention of childhood sexual abuse.
About the Author
Christie Somes is a survivor of childhood sexual assaults that happened when she was just four and five years old. She carried many of the effects of her abuse for decades, not understanding the debilitating emotional, mental, and physical tolls the abuse created. In order to confront these effects, she has gone through a twelve-year journey of therapy and group support to bring about understanding, learning, and healing. Her personal knowledge of the subject of childhood sexual abuse and the practical information she learned through the healing process forms the basis for Meet Carey Jones.
Christie Somes is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is an entrepreneur, certified yoga instructor, and avid hiker. As a lover of the outdoors, she can also be found snowshoeing and horseback riding. Christie lives with her husband on their ranch in Colorado, and above all else, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Gerald D. Alpern, PH.D.Dr. Alpern is a former full professor at Indiana University Medical School and a clinical and developmental psychologist. His “Developmental Profile” series (wpspublish.com/DP3), which evaluates children’s development, has been used throughout many countries for more than thirty years. His clinical practice of more than fifty years involved working with children, families, and individuals. His writings include publications for both professionals and the lay public. His last book, Vets for Vets, is based on his hands-on work with the traumas of returning veterans. His contributions to Meet Carey Jones reflect his extensive clinical experience dealing with childhood traumas.