Originally Posted by
reappear
I'm not sure if that would be helpful for you or not; it sounds like you have a lot of unresolved issues around the feelings you had when you were in that place, and that they're being put into the tree. I think doing something symbolic to 'let go' of the feelings can be really helpful, for example you might write down all the negative feelings you had at that time, and with the tree, go to the tree with someone you trust and tie the piece of paper to a balloon and literally let it go. However, I feel that, for many people, talking about it and getting it heard is the most important thing in the long-run and perhaps the most important part of any other symbolic process.
I agree with this. I have a place like this aswell, and on a nice day when I felt well I went there and put some flowers, as if to say that part of me has gone now and this doesn't have to be a bad place any more, or provoke those memories.
I do sometimes still struggle with trees, for a host of reasons, and autumn. But I make a conscious effort to pull myself into the present and think, things were bad then, but I am different not (not necessarily better, mindyou, if you're not), and that tree/place/season doesn't have to hold me back.
I agree attempting to associate it with something else, something more pleasant, might help you. Then when you get the painful thoughts you can compared them with the better one. They may not go away but they may lessen in severity, and that is a good start.
Hope you're okay x