Dear Shannon:

My advice: remove the guilt and shame elements you mentioned regarding this image appearing (“guilt… and shame…I’m really embarrassed that this happens”). When the image appears, take a deep breath and think/ say to yourself something like (you choose your words): this image is involuntary. I didn’t choose it, and therefore I am not responsible for it appearing. I am not guilty, and there is nothing wrong with me. There is nothing wrong with my relationship.

Removing these two elements will probably make you feel much better.

Also, it may help to further heal or process those negative experiences with your father (if indeed you agree they were negative, or harmful to you), so that it is less likely to come to the surface as it has.

anita