Why I Play with Dolls - Unique Therapy to Heal My Inner Child

[@ace.collects.things]

As somebody who is both an adult and dresses quite alternative, I imagine I look super out of place in the toy aisle in my knee high platform boots squealing over colorful cutesy dolls 😅 but I don't care cuz I love 'em 💕

[@jactober]

Honestly if i saw you in the toy aisle i’d fanboy over ur outfit tbh and be like omg let’s pick out the best dolls together 😭😭

[@lilithjade4363]

i mean same but i don’t care

[@juniper1625]

Every time I go to the store I have to go look at the toys

[@irenehough4441]

You go! Do your thang, it ain’t nobody’s business

[@twyla1766]

Dito! I am a Goth with turquoise hair and black clothes buying super-colourful toys all the time. ;-)

[@heatherthehylian627]

"when you feel the ick, go play" love that quote.

[@tkwia]

Same here, I'm going to make it my new motto.

[@karenflieger7529]

There is something so relaxing about brushing doll hair.

[@robertgibson1036]

I spend hours braiding minute braides on my black Barbie dolls some people ask were do I get the patience to spend that amount of time I I say the dolls don't talk and therefore they don't frie my brain and some think it's the way the doll was bought , it's relaxing the time flies most doll collectors are gifted in some way ,i set the dolls up as imagery girl groups like the supremes and other preforming arts ive made dolls from scratch an amercian lady done a book for me on my collection and my hand sculpted dolls

[@lilliewile1787]

I've gotten back into collecting dolls these past couple years, mostly because I'm an adult and I can buy them myself now. But ever since I was a teenager people always said I was "too old" for my hobbies. From dolls to cartoons, video games etc. Now I'm at a point where becoming independent is vital, and I can enjoy what I want because it makes me happy. It's still hard to shake the shame sometimes, but nothing changes overnight.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Toys and collectibles aimed at adults is a HUGE industry now!!! Pretty soon I know we won't be the odd ones, but I actually don't care. As long as I am living my joy and you are finding yours!!!

[@cananary]

i play sims 3 and with barbies that are from 2000s-2015 because that was my era and childhood. sims 3 is an amazing game that ive been attached to since i was like 8 or 9 and still play it almost everyday as a 23 year old

[@tammygabriel5506]

I'M going on 55 and people think I'm crazy for collecting and playing with dolls. Went to target and while I was paying for my barbie the cashier asked me if it was for my daughter and I said no it's for me. The look the cashier gave me.My husband is supportive though. Omg we have so much in common I have memorized in my brain all my childhood dolls I got for Christmas and I love coloring too. Having doll houses and dolls have really helped me mentally and of course I love,love ,love both of your channels.Thank you! Oh one more thing I always end up telling people that I'm a doll collector because I'm afraid they will not understand, but from now on I will not be ashamed to tell them I play with dolls.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Absolutely nothing to be ashamed of! There are people who put their heart and soul into supporting pro sports teams and no one thinks that is strange. It makes those people happy. Dolls make us happy :-)

[@kathymetzle8099]

I get looks and comments every single time I buy a doll, especially second hand. It's very awkward, when I worked retail i couldn't have cared less what customers were purchasing, I just wanted my paycheque.

[@danniifan3115]

The kids colouring books are so much more fun than the adult ones. You can be so creative & make their make-up & hair so way out! On an aeroplane I as colouring in & the flight attendant just looked at me. Lol!

[@Stargazer3131]

I'm 43 and have started to collect OMG dolls in the last few months, and its quickly growing, so much so that I have had to install three floating Ikea Shelves in my bedroom so that I have more space for future purchases! I also bought a £5 "Little House On The Hill" Sylvanian Dollhouse that I have done extensive work on it and you would never know what it looked like before. Bought furniture for all the rooms, and created an outside grass area with trees etc etc so it looks realistic. I have enjoyed doing it, very satisfying/relaxing. I have always been very creative as a child up to this day (Typical Taurus!) so I love doing lots of creative projects, it's my way of escaping from the adult world for a bit! I have Goldfish/tropical fish for years, wasn't able to have pets as a kid so I have fish now, I suffer from Depression/anxiety etc etc so I find watching them swim about quite relaxing. I have childhood trauma stemming from my abusive late mother.

[@SherriB923]

I am 62 and have been suffering from Complex PTSD. I could not get the thoughts of my trauma out of my mind, they would swirl around in my head everyday. I finally started seeing a therapist who specializes in trauma. She has done wonders for me but I have a long way to go. I also started collecting dolls because of the happiness it let me experience that I did not get to have in childhood. I started off with Reborn dolls then fell in love again with Barbie. Now I collect all kinds of dolls. I have a bedroom painted in pink that I have all my dolls in. When my anxiety starts to spike, I will go into my doll room and immediately feel better. I have all my Barbies in beautiful ballgowns. I love sparkly clothes and a rainbow of colors. When I walk into that room and turn on the light, seeing everything looking so beautiful brings a smile to my face every time. I also do not care about clothes, shoes, fancy china etc. One of hardest things for me was the fact that when I told my husband I wanted to start collecting realistic baby dolls, he said I needed to go to a mental institution and he wasn't kidding. I made a decision to collect anyway because I knew this was going to help me. He still doesn't like me spending money on them but he knows he has no say in this situation. I have worked hard raising two very successful daughters and taking care of everything that has to do with the household and now I am doing this for me. I like to display my dolls on shelves and admire them. I had nothing left from my childhood in the way of dolls as everything was thrown away. I do not have any siblings so the dolls were my friends when I was little. I can not say enough about how helpful a doll can be when you are dealing with anxiety.

[@strawberrydiamond5886]

That's amazing that you have found comfort in dolls! I love dolls too, they make my house a fantasy land lol Best of luck to you and your collection! ❤❤❤

[@marcelamsss]

I feel happy for you! I also have PTSD and I'm planning to do the same! Barbie reminds me of feelings of being innocent, creative and also reminds me of how to appreciate beauty. Tell your husband I'm also crazy! ;)

[@Starmadien2019]

I like finding broken dolls or ones in bad shape and fixing them up. My therapist says I do it because of a need to fix broken innocence and trying to repair what is broken in me. He encourages me to keep collecting and repairing because it's good for my mental health.

[@jonathansmith7219]

Thank you for this, I'm a 22 year old male living in the south I am going to college for accounting and in the past year I started collecting dolls randomly at first I thought it was just a way for me to remember the times when my parents would buy me bratz or monster high growing up but in the past few months I realized the comfort it would bring. I grew up in a household of addicts and I got addicted for a moment from my parents sharing their lifestyle to me and once I left them I realized how hurt I was and how I felt like I lost so much growing up and dolls really help me feel grounded and inspired. So thank you for sharing your insight I love your videos you have always been inspiring to me.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

So glad you are finding the healing from dolls!!!!

[@ALT-vz3jn]

I’m 53, we had much of the same toys as kids 😂that’s awesome. I chose an American Girl ‘just like you’ doll as my ‘mini-me’ doll, now I have to decide what’s the best way to play with her for my inner child. She has brown hair in a style I wore as a kid, and brown eyes. I’m in the middle of restringing her and cleaning her up, but I’m so excited at the potential and how it can turn out. I love playing with my dolls so much.

[@ineffablemars]

When people say “aren’t all families dysfunctional?” It really grates me. If they didn’t fear their parents, if they didn’t deal with an alcoholic parent, emotionally and physically ab*sive parent, being thrown into walls, having their hair pulled.. if they felt like they could voice their feelings to their parents, I’m sorry, that’s less dysfunctional. That’s a somewhat normal family.

[@cloudmountaindog8537]

Yes. When I was about five, I started seeing that my friends had supportive, inclusive, loving families and I was marinating in pretty much constant control and fear. It’s very different to little personality quirks or idiosyncrasies. It’s not a good environment for basic growth or health.

[@antoinettefortier2720]

I find doll collecting , doll photography and watching doll video and crocheting doll clothes while I watch the doll videos very relaxing .

[@lcarolc03]

Another MS doll person here. I found myself buying just a few Barbies during the first Covid Christmas. There would be no gatherings. We felt scared , confused , lost especially when that first December came. Out of nowhere , I got on Amazon and began ordering pretty Barbies- nothing expensive , no plan to collect dolls. I didn’t know why but I needed Barbie. When they arrived , I started decorating and the magic of Christmas was back. It was different but it was good. I’ll turn 66 in August. I didn’t realize at the time how much those 11.5” ladies meant to me. All I knew was that I could breathe again and feel joy during this dark , unknown time. I started painting when I got my MS diagnosis at age 33. I had several really bad exacerbations , hospitalizations , the works. There were no ABC drugs the first year. A stranger now inhabited my body. But when I painted , all that stopped for awhile. I was Me again. I got better , started walking ( tiny baby steps but I was walking ) , swimming , adjusting to Betaseron ( felt like I had the Flu for 4 months ) but I was improving. Now I’m retired , doing well and Panting Doll Portraits. I did the landscapes , flowers , seascapes , real portraits route. Nothing felt right. I began painting my dolls which multiplied well beyond Barbie( but she will always be my girl). I knew I found my niche. A guest bedroom has shelves of dolls. Their portraits hang throughout the house. Dolls still deck the halls at Christmas. They bring me peace and joy. My husband now lives in the Vallet of the Dolls and loves every minute of it. Thank you for sharing your story. Mine came tumbling out with no pre plan. The doll community seems to have that effect. 💕 I believe in the power of play. I’m a mental health counselor and I know it works miracles.

[@gbrainy]

I decided to get sober this week. I've bought 15 dolls in the last week. Today I played with them. I put on a Playlist for top hits 1996 just thinking it was a good time when I used to play with dolls. Now after watching this I'm realizing why I needed this. 1996 I was 6 years old and it was the year before or perhaps of my childhood trauma. Ah well. I'm so happy with my dolls and I have something fun to think about. It's amazing. I think a part is the ability to afford my own now.

[@Sketchowlll]

i found this video by chance. While thinking about why I'm so hung up on drawing characters, and how I've been getting in my own way, not wanting to interact with people, trying hard to avoid unpleasant experiences and making wrong decisions... I suddenly started thinking about how I actually use my characters. They play out scenarios I'm afraid of, scenes I want to experience, say and do things I want to see. I guess in a way, I played them like I was practicing for real life? It's like playing with dolls. And then I thought, what if creating my characters is essentially me playing with dolls? Like it's an evolution of the beanie babies I used to be obsessed with? I used to stay up for hours and hours on school nights, playing out entire dramas and simulating things that happened around me. I was very depressed and real life scared me a lot, but my beanie babies were my happy place. I even used to write stories and draw pictures of them. Then one day, my mom threw them all away. It really, really hurt, losing my favorite thing and feeling distrustful of her. Since then, I haven't been able to play, or work out my issues very well. All I do now is avoid unpleasant things and feel confused about the horrible things people do, and spin about stuff that happened to me. I have an extreme distrust in people and I struggle to decide what mask I should wear on a daily basis. (Trauma dump, sorry.) ...All this time, have I actually been playing with my 'beanie babies to feel okay again? I looked up "adults playing with dolls" and found your awesome video. I wasn't expecting to get permission to play again, lol! I'm used to thinking play is escapism for us. But anyway, you just gave me some much needed clarity. I can probably feel better about letting myself explore my characters without feeling like it's a fantastical waste of time because it makes me happy. Sure it doesn't make me money. But they make me happy. I can even divorce the idea of HAVING to make money with them and not feel bad, or feel like I'm abandoning my therapeutic happy place again. Also, we artists tend to believe that if we can draw, it should become our whole lives... but that's another conversation. 🙃 This makes me feel better about stepping outside of the 'play pen' i trapped myself in, and find a career that doesn't have such a strong emotional hold. THANK YOU for everything you said!! It helped me a lot!!

[@irenehough4441]

I love my dolls. I always tell my friend that one of the best things about being grownup is I can buy as many dolls my budget will allow and can’t no body tell me nothing.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Amen!

[@Levongrova]

I'm 28 and although I don't collect dolls or anything, I LOVE stuffed amimals so much. My family gives me weird looks anytime I say I'd be so happy if someone gifted me a plushie. They make me feel safe, I sleep with them, I just feel such joy and care being surrounded by them. I also am a witch and this may be out there to some, but my stuffed animals and animal toys or figurines feel to me like a way the energy of my animal guides are with me ❤ it is such a relief I'm not the only one out there, because it's not like we are hurting anyone so why do people have to judge like they do?

[@danalisatarabarova1188]

I was into collecting toys since I was a small child,but I didn't had many because of our family situation.I never "grew out" of it.I dreamed at the age of 11 that when I grow up I will have a big closet with a ton of MLP ponies,LPS,and other toys and plushies. My abusive mother always shamed me for liking them,and always made fun of me for my love for them.She asked me when I was 13 y.o -"You need to finally grow up.For how long are you gonna draw silly ponies?Can you imagine you at 18 still drawing them? You better learn how to draw portaits." And it really hurted my feelings,and I just started to hide my hobby and stopped collecting.And now I am 19.Last year afther a really traumatizing event I started to collect plushies and ponies again! I would say that it was a desteny,near my work place there was a shop that had a lot of toys with big discounts.And afther my first new additions to my collection I never looked back! I still have to hide it from my mother,but now I feel much happyer with myself and there are no words that can express how much I needed this. My childhood dream slowly comes true! And YES MOM AT 19 I STILL ENJOY MLP,BUT AT LEAST I FEEL HAPPYNES,SOMETHING THAT YOU NEVER GOING TO EXPIRIENCE!🌈💜🌟🌠

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

So glad you are finding your happiness again!!!!!

[@virginiachavez6414]

I also had an abusive mother out of 12 children i am the only onewho calls her mother not mami. The beatings stoped at the age of 6 because my oldest sister who was 20 found out and some how stopped her from there on i have been treated as unworthy and evil most of my life. When i married and had my own children i was in heaven loving my children and having them love me back has been wonderfull. I have been married for 33 years have 3 children 3 grandchildren and life has had its ups and downs so you have to work at it but it is worth it. And i love my dolls. ☺️🇨🇷

[@danalisatarabarova1188]

@@virginiachavez6414 I'm really happy for you! :D Yes,sometimes life is hard,I think it's important to never loose hope for a bright future.Thank you for sharing your story❤❤❤

[@lin3378]

omg I also started hiding somethings from my family and some friends who would bring my dreams down. When Im excited for a dream I hug and tell my dolls and pets instead because they never bring me down.

[@BrunetteRaccoon]

They need more than a like button for videos like this. For years I've been shamed by friends and peers for collecting things that bring me comfort (Plushies, books and art supplies) and I finally feel good about it because I'm finding videos of other people my age that are finding comfort from the same exact things. "If you're feeling ick, go play" I wished I was told this sooner. Thank you Melissa.

[@anjupradhan1447]

You are my inspiration Melissa....i am 50 years old and my past was very traumatic....but recently i found playing and talking with dolls helped me a lot. My recent one is Princess...i comb her hair...talk with her...she talks backs...i m in my own world . My room is like 6 years old...my father has just started understanding me...he doesn't say no to dolls..thank God.... earlier i used to feel guilty for spending money on dolls but now i have started giving importance to me and my mental health...some people criticised me too...now i give a damn....thanks to you...😊

[@melisaco79]

I’m contemplating getting dolls Iwas deprived of. My cousins were cruel when I was little. They were 8 and 6 years older than me and were spoiled rotten by their parents. My mother would dump me on their mom or my grandparents ever since I was born. When I went to their house, I was told “You can play dolls with us but you can’t touch our dolls.” And they were very cruel about it. There was always a constant reminder that I wasn’t a part of their family because I wasn’t their sibling. My parents’ refusal to provide stability for me exasperated my feelings of being unwanted. My grandma tried to make up for it, but she was old and just couldn’t afford to provide the childhood I needed to feel safe and cared for. I want to purchase every doll, new in box, that I was never allowed to play with and/or own. I did eventually receive a dollhouse, but it wasn’t long (a couple of months later) until my mother found an unfounded excuse (punishing me for playing with it) to take it for herself and turn it into a shelf for her own collectibles. I hated my childhood so much because of my relatives that, now that I’m able to, I want to heal my inner child through giving and expressing the love and protection that wasn’t provided by my family.

[@helenakathedollyworldunive835]

Having over a thousand dolls here in my house, people think I am crazy. My mom for the longest time never accepted this side of me. I am 40 now, but for 20 years I have been hiding my true nature of loving dolls

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Wow!! That's an awesome collection!!!!! Hopefully one day you won't feel the need to hide anymore

[@jeanieschmidt3781]

I think most of coping hobbies are about control. I'm a big storyteller - I write fiction, I have a Barbie soap opera on blogspot, stuff like that. I was always about creating a world where I am the boss! Most of my coloring books are Barbie. I've tried the adult ones, and find them tedious. Give me crayons and a simple picture! But even then, I'm making a story about the people or places in the picture while I'm coloring. I never felt shame for the color books. For some reason, though, I did feel shame for the dolls. For the fiction. But never the color books.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Interesting..... and I agree on the adult coloring books. Why did they think they needed to make them so hard to color? They actually kick up my anxiety, LOL!

[@jeanieschmidt3781]

@@MelissaHunterTalk More stressful that what they're supposed to be helping me deal with.

[@DylanRomanov]

I cried during this ,started collecting two years ago and started my first custom. I’m almost 29 and these dolls are helping me cope with a toxic childhood

[@RoMorawsun]

love so true

[@memorykeepersarchive3953]

I collect dolls in my 50’s because Santa never brought me one. I love dolls so much and only had a few dolls growing up as hand me downs from an older friend. My dad was the Xmas shopper and I think he bought my sister and I toys based on what he wanted lol. Thus we received race car sets, Creepy Crawlers, games, etc. My mom never weighed in about our desire for dolls. Or when she may have, it was vetoed. At any rate, I buy whatever dolls I want now. Living my best life..!! 💕

[@SusanMarie3]

So grateful for my amazing childhood - opening a Silkstone Barbie doll now takes me right back to wonderful Christmas mornings and birthdays in the 1970s when I received Barbie dolls. I didn’t collect the Silkstones when they first came out but I’m tracking them down now. My husband likes O scale trains so he supports my doll habit 🤣🤣🤣

[@Starmadien2019]

I'm getting my girlfriend into exploring her hobbies and hers is RC planes. She even made herself a windsock.

[@kristinaland]

Thank you, the most powerful thing you said that resonated with me is that the shame is not mine, it’s the people who who caused my trauma. You don’t know how much I needed to hear that 😢❤️

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

I'm so glad it helped you. It was a big change for me to understand that the shame was not mine.

[@bdnightshade]

I started collecting dolls while my daughter was going through her Barbie/American Girl phase. It didn't occur to me I might be using it to heal childhood trauma until recently. I didn't have a completely horrible childhood (my parents and brothers are good people), but I was the weird kid who was bullied, and in an Air Force family, we never had a permanent home, always moving every 3 to 4 years. And everywhere we went, I was picked on. My dolls were my refuge. I'm 60 now, still the weird one, but now I enjoy my dolls, my Marvel action figures, my crazy mismatched house!

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

The weird in my salutes the weird in you

[@rubyiskira8939]

I started collecting dolls in the beginning of this year, i had so much of old trauma that i just buried and never addressed and new from the state of the world, ending toxic relationship and changing college, they help so much, i especially like opening them and taking out of the box, I'm happy to be on my way to become swiss cheese

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Swiss Cheese!!! That should be this channel's mantra, LOL!!! "I am becoming swiss cheese!"

[@CherishedDollFriends]

Hi Melissa. I was just having a conversation with my best friend yesterday. I was trying to explain how collecting dolls takes me back to a place of innocence and joy before the childhood trauma. I think she began to understand a little. You explain it so well. I can say from experience that my dolls have helped me through childhood trauma as well as recent trauma like losing my Dad. I still have the baby doll I asked him for Christmas when I was 10 years old. I will treasure her in my collection of dolls that I love so much! They bring me so much joy💕

[@Tidbitheheehoo98]

I've had my inner child ripped away from me as well.. a kid. Playing with dolls allows me to calm and I guess still interact with the inner child that isn't dead. My parents don't understand this at all. I wish they could and honestly this video gave me peace of mind. Thank you for helping me not feel alone.

[@doomzdaydollz]

13:27 when you said “when you feel the ick, go play” i started sobbing, this is some of the best advice i’ve heard. i’ve watched since 2012 when kaiden was still on the channel and this video from you really hit home. thank you for being such a beautiful person🥲💕

[@kreskin0079]

I started collecting barbies again last year. When I was a young girl, I remember vividly being handed a barbie when I was sick and she was my only companion. My mom was busy with my two younger brothers and housework so I found comfort in barbie. Today I sat two of my barbies down and played with them. One was me, one was a therapist. I cried. I don't like delving into trauma but I don't want to carry this pain, this shame, this void, this depression, this anxiety with me anymore but I also don't know who I am without it.

[@VeronicaStorm98]

The reason I collect dolls, is because they help me cope with having Aspergers Syndrome, my anxiety, and just the loneliness that comes with being on the Autism Spectrum. With my dolls, they are my friends and are incapable of abandoning or betraying me. And one of my dolls is always a constant comfort object and best friend to me (the current doll in that role is a custom Our Generation doll that I made to resemble my favorite Creepypasta character, Pirate Percy from Candle Cove.). Nothing makes me happier than getting home and seeing Percy and my other dolls waiting for me. I also like to fix their hair and dress them sometimes. I also sleep with the doll that is my favorite (Percy) as well and I like to feel his 18" doll weight on my chest at night and hold him in my arms to know that he's safe with me. My Doll Army makes me feel like I'm not alone in the world. And thank you for adressung the topic of using dolls to cope with childhood trauma. I feel less weird about doing what I do now.

[@mouse6398]

I’m autistic too, and find comfort in my dolls! I’ve become incredibly attached to Georgia Bloom, she’s my safe doll.

[@FazerAlgoNovo]

I'm autistic as well and I love to collect dolls

[@Jennaonthemilkcarton]

My entire childhood was traumatic, which is why I resonate with this channel. Dolls are great. My son even enjoys watching your Barbie reveals. I wish I could get back some of my old dolls.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JT-yd2dm]

Jenna, you can get back some of your old dolls! I go to doll shows in nearby cities occasionally. I have found replicas of my childhood dolls in really good condition and bought them! See if you can find a doll fair/doll show in your area.

[@Jennaonthemilkcarton]

@@JT-yd2dm I’ll have to check it out!

[@sharonthompson672]

As Julie said, You CAN get your dolls back! I discovered eBay around 2001 and "bought back my lost childhood" as I like to say. 🙂 Really, just the ones I couldn't afford as a kid, and the ones that "disappeared" when birth mother would do a purge while we were at school. 🤬 You're never too old to have a happy childhood. 🙂🌹👍❤️

[@CAMMIE777]

Thank you. You have answered a lot of my questions. I've always collected dolls and teddy bears. When my 2nd husband past, I had to move in with my middle daughter (who doesn't like clutter). I gave many of my dolls and bears away to my great grandchildren ( I'm 77). I was sad to da that, but it was easier to share my friends with another generation . I am in my own place now. Wishing I hadn't given away so many friends. But, now I understand why I need them. Thank you for helping me. P.s. I'm planning on adopting new dolls and bears. You can never have too many friends.

[@marygardner6393]

Camille, I hope you adopt a fuzzy managerie of new friends. I love my stuffed animals and dolls too!!!

[@sjorso8778]

Hi!! as a person who is spiritual & studies psychology as well as being a doll collector i wanna say Thank u for raising awareness around these topics!! Keep up the good work and remember!! be open to all the good we all deserve xx

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Thanks so much!!!

[@kathymetzle8099]

My childhood was difficult, most of my happy memories are of me in my childhood bedroom playing with my dolls and blocking out the events in the house. I have the same vivid memories of the way things felt and smelled etc that you mentioned in the video, and I find a lot of comfort in recreating those feelings in a way. When things get hard, I find myself in the same position I was decades ago when I was scared, sitting in my room and holding a doll. Also, they're so pretty lol.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

and I hope it helps you =

[@jactober]

Growing up dolls were the only good part of my childhood they helped me cope with everything as a child and my grandmother was also the only person in my childhood that made me feel seen heard understood and safe emotionally and physically and when she passed away in 2012 at hospice while i was in the room it was the most traumatic thing i ever saw in person i coped horribly but now i’m doing way better and dolls are a HUGE part of my healing journey. I remember being a kid and using my barbies to act out the stories i wrote and now as a adult i still use my barbies to act out like film the television and films i write. Monster high dolls mean so much to me because of what they were all about with the whole brand being about being yourself and being different as a gay person that meant so much to me being a kid and being gay in a small backwoods town. Now we have rainbow high and i LOVE them i LOVE dying their hair and clothes, i love washing their hair and restyling it and redressing them it gives me so much peace. As someone who has always been feminine and always been bullied for that restyling my dolls lets me live out my feminine side and feminine style since i live in a small conservative town and my mom is a extremely religious and traditionalist person who would kick me out and be enraged if i dressed feminine or wore make up this is a way to live out my feminine energy. I used to feel ashamed for collecting dolls now i don’t care what people say or think i ‘m not hurting anyone im healing and being creative 🤍

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Be you!!!!! I am so glad you have the dolls to help you express yourself and to feel the joy!

[@shade247]

I had a good childhood. Definitely was lucky enough to be spoiled by my parents haha. I am an only child…I didn’t have friends, really. And I didn’t pick up on social cues for a long time. so it was just a very lonely one..I remember loving surrounding myself with dolls and plushies because they felt alive to me, thus, I felt less alone. I still like dolls because they bring back good memories for me and I see them as a way to extend myself through an inanimate object and be my own company.

[@a_me_1]

Thank you for sharing this, this was very much so my experience aswell💕. I still have social anxiety as an adult, but I've been fortunate to make a few close friends who are very dear to me, but I still have my dolls and cuddly toys too, they are a comfort for sure😊

[@lauriegentry7764]

I need to thank you BIG TIME! You, YOU ALONE, have cured my guilt about still collecting dolls in my 60s. I've noticed a huge weight lifted from my body. I no longer feel like I need to hide my hobby. Thank you, Melissa. 💜

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Wow!!! This comment made my day!!!

[@Megan-su5vj]

Listening to this made me tear up. I'm a 20 year old doll collector but I still have strong urges and desires to play with my dolls as I used too. Not just dressing them up but sitting on the floor with a doll house making voices for the dolls and creating stories as I used to as a kid. I watch your videos alot, I remember watching them back when you first started. I watch you now because I love your personality but also your the type of person I aspire to be. You make me want to actually sit down and not fear what other people say/think. To actually play the way I want, I even make crochet designs for them. Thankyou for this video and apologies for the long comment.

[@vjcarter4657]

I developed an obsession with cabbage patch kids figurines during the pandemic and I have very complex communities and families for all of them :) My room looks a 5 yrs old room. Lol. I think it has helped me to heal my child hood trauma, my recent trauma, and I am allowed to “live” in a world where there is no loss, abuse, or pandemic.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Yes!!!!! A safe world!!!! And I think the pandemic has allowed people or in some cases forced people to uncover and heal past traumas

[@vjcarter4657]

@@MelissaHunterTalk Perfectly said

[@rorensworld]

I re discovered my love of dolls when I started customizing dolls in 2018. I never thought that monster high or ever after high would save/help my mental well-being during the pandemic. I'm so greatful to dolls and I'm soo happy that I rediscovered the joy that they gave me as a child. I'm now 30 years old and I don't see them going away again.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

So glad you had the dolls to help you through this pandemic!

[@BarbieGuy-gb9zw]

When I was a little kid my family didn’t have a lot of money. My mom would get her SSI check on the first and I would get a doll at the beginning of the month. About mid month we’d have no money and because I was the way I was, I would put that doll back in her box, exactly the way I found her, and we would return her so we could get food or whatever. Now as an adult, I buy dolls, and never return them. Lol.

[@BarbieGuy-gb9zw]

Oh and I remember getting the Rosebud Barbie horse for Christmas, and I got Native American Barbie for Easter.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

That is such a heartbreakingly touching story. I'm so glad you are able to keep all the dolls you buy now

[@GeekNArtist]

I need to show this excellent video to the people who falsely claim that this "childish activity" is "hurting me." Some people just don't understand us! The only thing that is hurting me is when judgmental people criticize us for what we are doing. The social stigma is what hurts us. So, thanks for posting this video.

[@barbiegirlbrooke7364]

I can’t begin to express how badly I needed this video today. I’ve been acknowledging how my playing with dolls has been helping me with “the shadows” lately, and how much more digestible playing has made it to grow past the darkness. I actually posted a video on here last week, where I was hurting and sat on the floor and opened Barbies until I could catch my breath. Thank you thank you thank you 💕

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Wow!!! I am going to go check out your video!!!

[@barbiegirlbrooke7364]

@@MelissaHunterTalk Thank you sugar I appreciate. No where near as in depth as what you’ve done here but definitely kindred spirits 💕💕

[@dollsandlizards]

First off, I love this video. Thank you. And next, I love to take pictures of my dolls, I bring a doll everywhere I go, you never know when a photo opp will happen. It makes me so happy to get my doll all ready and pampered to take a cute picture for the world to see.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

That's so cool. I love doll photography....looking at it. I suck at doing it :-p

[@dianapdolls]

Thank you, I am 53 and I collect and play Barbie. I agree that this hobby allows me to escape. I appreciate your making this video.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

You are so welcome!

[@porcupinepancakeart1765]

Just finished a bit of bawlfest. I just want to thank you for this video. I feel understood and less alone. I newly started buying dolls again and I wasn't sure why. I just knew they brought me happiness. So much of my childhood was based around simply playing and being taken into another world, a safer one. Art was, still is, my other haven away from it all. It's amazing how we sometimes subconsciously find our way forward.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Glad it was helpful! We do know how to heal ourselves if we stay open and listen!

[@rose5602]

I really get what you mean, my dolls make me feel safe and less lonely. There's a lot more to the story, but I feel like I'm a part of something and I belong somewhere.

[@sarahgumball8597]

You are such a beautiful human! Thank you so much for this video! I experienced trauma as a young adult and have found myself absolutely loving dolls. I had a few as a child and they always brought me such joy. Now I am back to collecting them and it absolutely brings me so much happiness! Sometimes I think, “wow my childhood self would be loving this” but truth is my childhood self is loving this currently and so is my adult self. It’s a beautiful experience. God bless you & have a beautiful evening 🥰💕

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Huge hugs to you!!!!! So glad you are finding joy

[@sarahgumball8597]

@@MelissaHunterTalk thank you!! 🥰 hugs back

[@c.w.2000]

I’m glad you are talking about trauma. I am both a recent doll collector and a long-term recipient of/participant in psychological counseling, meditation/mindful living classes, and somatic experiencing. From my experiences and education, I firmly believe that the most important part of healing from trauma is getting help from experts (the ones who are right for you). I have often seen people buying dolls say, “It’s cheaper than therapy.” But it’s not fixing the underlying problem. I understand that life is difficult and complicated, but I just don’t want to see people’s pain buried under a pile of stuff, often that they can’t really afford and don’t even play with. There can be a line that is crossed in which a coping mechanism becomes an addiction.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

I agree....collecting and doing things to heal ourselves is a part of therapy and for more complex trauma and issues we need to work with professionals. I'm learning about somatic experiencing, pretty interesting stuff!

[@sharonthompson672]

Yes, I adore my dolls, it's comforting and it's like looking at art, I always notice something new. But you make a good point. It's very easy to become isolated and cut off from humanity after childhood trauma. If you're the family scapegoat, it's even harder because many of us have cut ties & gone no contact with our biological family. Counseling and learning how to heal from trauma can help you build a new supportive circle of real friends and community, instead of a continuing cycle of abusers. ❤️🌹

[@FiendishOmen]

I collect dolls for the happy memories at my grandmas house. I come from very chaotic and loud home. At my grandmas she kept my aunts barbies dolls from the 70s and 80s with all the clothes. I would go there set them all up, dress them up I had a pink barbie bug car. Just the zen of no noise at her house and being alone in my own thoughts and it was an escape for me. I will never forget that. When I got the RH Closet, I spent over an hour taking all the clothes out rearranging them, redressing dolls and its very therapeutic for me.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Ohhh. Grandma's sounds so nice. I had a great aunt who's house was like that for me. I'm saving the RH closet for a day I really need to chill :-)

[@JasmineNorman2007]

i'm 14 so i may not be an "adult collector" yet, but it's still considered odd for a 14 year old to have dolls! it's really embarrassing, especially because i get bullied already at school, so it makes me not want to share my interest in dolls. but i just love them so much, i don't know why. my family has always been full of collectors; my grandma collecting care bears, beanie babies, porcelain dolls, and more while my father collects garfield merchandise. i love dressing them and styling their hair and even customizing them. although i don't have the imagination to play with them, as in them talking to each other (like how a child would LOL), i still play with them in other ways. it's just something to live for and finally be excited about in my life. i don't know if it's from trauma, i do have childhood trauma, but who knows. thank you for this!!

[@a_me_1]

If this is any comfort, I started collecting monster high dolls when I was 14, and played with them and soft toys with a two friends. We were embarrassed too and not good with others so we kept it a secret, but now I'm older I can say for sure that it isn't weird at all, there were 3 of us, one female friend who played with cuddly toys, and a Male friend who played with MH dolls, I played with both. That continued late into our teens, only really stopped because we had to study for exams instead. I am now 20 years old, my room is still full of soft toys, and my dolls house sits proudly in my hall. Don't ever be ashamed of what makes you happy, the people who would judge something like that aren't worth worrying about, and there are certainly many more people with the same interests as you.

[@a_me_1]

And when I say playing I mean it, two 14 to 16 year olds sitting making funny voices and stories together at the kitchen table! So if that was us at that age, you most certainly aren't strange at all, collecting things makes so many people happy😄

[@elfipet]

Thank you so much Melissa. This totally adresses my childhood and subsequent PTSD. Dolls have been my "play therapy" for decades, although I never really thought about it as therapy! Dolls made me so happy and gave my inner child a chance to be a joyful...at last. God bless you.

[@cindyeisenberg8367]

I used to be bullied severely. My home was a safe haven. The bullying really traumatized me, because I was sensitive. I collect dolls. When I was a child, I loved my dolls. I got Barbies and got a camper for her. I loved the clothes. My Baby dolls were fun, too. I had friends that I played Barbies. I have such great memories. There are dolls everywhere. I am even going to get rid of my dining room furniture to have room for dolls. I used to have adult coloring books. But, I got rid of them so that I could have room for the beads and dolls. My traumatized child self loves to have toys. I had therapy for the bullying. I have severe panic attacks that last a whole day. When I was a child, I was shamed all of the time. I was called stupid and fat when I was a child. But, don’t worry about that. Because, I have my dolls. They are my children. I am definitely damaged. But, I will not let it take over my life. Any toy will do. I had Gillian Barre syndrome and was very sick and had a badly broken ankle . So, I know what it is to be sick. It helped me to go on line to look at dolls and write my own story. It’s great to have an imagination.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Yes, write your own story!!!!

[@mrs.emptydingo7648]

I have made huge strides in healing my childhood trauma, since I started collecting dolls, repainting dolls, and making clothes for my dolls. I have even opened myself up to dolls I previously overlooked, and found so much joy in them. Melissa you are so right about the therapy of being with my dolls. Just arranging them, dressing and styling then is immensely healing. Finding your channel has helped me so much. Thank you for sharing this stuff with us. It does my heart good to know I'm not alone and apart of such a wonderful community. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍💗❤💙

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

We are not alone!!!

[@gailobrien9380]

I had tremendous childhood trauma, but having a doll collection has been very healing!❤️ #age62😂

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Yay!!! So glad your dolls help you to heal

[@kimberlylewis2185]

This is the ABSOLUTE BEST VIDEO that you have EVER made. I'm an inbox collector, and after a long stressful shift at work (or just a stressful day period), it helps me to just be able to just look at my dolls. I do find myself buying more and more dolls, or toys in general, when I am going through as a comfort. Thank you for this video.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Wow, thank you!

[@mobubbler]

As an age regressor thankyou for your help in the fight for acceptance

[@BugeDadelin]

I rarely comment on things but I just have to today. When I was a child I promised myself I’d buy all the dolls and toys I wanted once I had my own money. I found your channel during the pandemic and it made me remember that promise. I watch your videos as I unbox dolls and it makes me so so happy. Thank you for your message.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Awwww...that makes me so happy to hear!!!!!

[@Blueskyz316]

I’ve played with Barbie dolls until I was In my early 20’s and then stopped because I felt weird . I never admitted it to anyone but now I’m sad I stopped because of how society has made me feel about playing with dolls . Thank you for this video.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Never too late to start playing again :-)

[@lilywinterbard4469]

when i found ebay i decided to see if i could find my childhood toys i since have found all of my toys as a kid and have them in shelves in my room i've also gotten new toys like monster high, rainbow high and lol suprise. i have found just laying on my bed looking at all of my toys and dolls heals me when i have problems with my bipolar. i tell my family they are my theropy, i have done much better with it since i found all of these dolls. i also color in coloring books for theropy too and draw. i found u originally by ur doll collection and i liked ur reviews i find many of ur comment helpful because i have found the same works for me. and hearing that someone else gets help the way i do means i'm not a lone. i don't know what i would do if i lost my toy collection.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

That's so cool!!!! So glad you have your toys to bring you joy!

[@juliesdolls6242]

Thank you, your words moved me. I also have a house full of dolls, bears and toys and they help to heal me every day. However, funding them does add to my grownup stress. 🥺. I just feel blessed that I have a family who are happy for me to heal in the way that I need to and that they don't judge me for being a forever child. Xxx

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Yes, it is a bit of a struggle to balance the hobbies with the financial realities of life.

[@lynetttsosie5989]

My mother was a single mom, worked very hard lots of hours, but she was very religious and had schizophrenia. At times she was a monster. When she was "normal" she would buy me and my sister's things. The trama is real but that was her only way to show us love. I love my mom but as an adult I realise she just needed help and still does.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

That paradox between loving someone but also recognizing they are a source of trauma is a hard one, but it is soooo common!!

[@rockster613]

Totally relate Melissa my trauma is buried down deep and I collect dolls and it makes me happy glad your doing these videos xxx

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

I figure I'm taking some of my trauma to the grave without ever witnessing it, but I'm slowly and delicately allowing myself to discover what I need to see when I am ready to witness it.

[@LeeDee5]

I do a lot of adult coloring in intricate books with various media but let me tell you that I have always colored with Crayons and in ‘children’s books’ all my life. You know what I did in peak quarantine? I found a Lisa Frank coloring book for kids and I colored a page with 120 Crayola crayons everyday without fail. I finished the entire book and I’m so proud of it. As for dolls I also remember even how my childhood Barbies smelled and my cabbage patch doll!

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

ohhhhhhh Lisa Frank coloring book for kids......I need that!

[@scottflentje2390]

Who remembers the HUGE coloring books from TOYS R US...I used to get one or two once a year.

[@sophialeemirandaakaprincess]

Bravery 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 💜💜💜💜💜 thank u for telling your story!! 💜💜💜

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Thanks for watching!

[@valerielake467]

This is me too! Have fun playing Melissa. God Bless!

[@barbiegirlbrooke7364]

Thank you so much for using your for voice and empathy in the way you do. Aside from my own traumas, I’m mama to a sweet little boy battling his PTSD, and it’s so relieving to hear from another mama bear that mama’s need healing focus too. Love you to pieces💕🥰

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Oh it's so hard to see our kiddos go through that!!! Hugs to you mama!!!!!

[@douglashubbard6239]

You are such a wonderful person 💕..watching this was emotional for me, but that's not necessarily bad..I live with anxiety and off and on depression and ever changing ptsd, so I'm always learning new ways to deal and cope with it.. I started collecting dolls again a couple years ago.. they have really brought me a lot of joy throughout the last couple years with all the craziness going on.. I've really needed that joy they bring me.. as an artist I also find that they help me express my creativity when I can't seem to get motivated to make my art..I also find Lego to be helpful also.. much love to you and anyone who reads this ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Keep reaching for that joy!

[@douglashubbard6239]

@@MelissaHunterTalk I will! Thank you!

[@julz1371]

Great Shit Melissa! ❤️... I'm a child of the 70's 🤪 & I'm hearing ya! Exactly same for me as far as my dolls go. Ideal Velvet brings me those feelings. I adore you, you're just so brave & beautiful. Thanks for being you absolutely 🥰

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Velvet!!! She lived at my Grandpa's house and I could not wait to go grab her as soon as I got there!!!!

[@julz1371]

@@MelissaHunterTalk Gorgeous 😃🥰 ... I still have my original surprisingly. Just her & Teddy survived 🙄😂❤️

[@laceybeanreads]

I love coloring and I collect dolls. I especially loved this video, Melissa :)

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bayleafmaria944]

To a degree, I have always done this. I still have childhood dolls and stuffed animals and my favorite books from when I was about 13 years old. When I know my anxiety is at 1000%, I will go watch old childhood cartoons or read those books with familiar characters who feel like old friends. I do also collect dolls and I do *play* with them- I've just spent about 40 minutes braiding one of my dolls' hair because playing with dolls' hair for some reason calms me.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

I love to watch old tv shows or read older books that I know. It definitely feels like I'm with people I know and feel safe with!

[@strawberryicecream2008]

I'm 15. because of today's world, teens these days have to 'mature' sooner, i always loved playing with dolls when i was little, i also watched your videos, when the time came for me to say goodbye to dolls, i thought i forgot bout them but i was wrong, even tho a lot of stressful things happened when i was little and i had some emotional trauma, dolls were my safe place, with dolls i escaped the reality...it was my world, i still remember how much fun i had playing with them and till this day i STILL love dolls and i too even think of them as an art... it's just such a pure experience to play with them! (I had tears in my eyes after watching your video, thank you for the talk and thank you for being part of my childhood )

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Never let go of that pure joy that dolls give you!! It is precious!!!!

[@strawberryicecream2008]

@@MelissaHunterTalkI won't, thank you so much for this message!!!!!💖

[@remedyprey9505]

I want to thank you for this, growing up my grandmother used to get rid of my dolls because she thought I was too old for them. There were some dolls that I really missed till this day. This video encouraged me to find those dolls and play with them again.

[@bridgetcafarella6017]

I collect Stuff Animals,I like stickers,and Coloring in Color books before it was a thing for adults.I have the Sunshine Family dolls,and a Mrs.Beasley doll and I am 53,but these things make me really happy.Thank You for making me feel normal.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

That is awesome! Mrs. Beasley!!!!

[@LionQueen106]

I started collecting dolls back in 2018 because I realized how much I missed it, I gave away all my dolls when I was 18 cause I was sick of getting teased, but then I realized how much dolls meant to me, I started collecting them again, and then Rainbow High came out, and I fell in love, Rainbow High is definitely the line I’m focused on collecting right now. Though it is kinda hard now, because my mother thinks my collecting is a sin and is constantly trying to degrade my collecting dolls, same with my dad, and I don’t know how to deal with that, I still collect dolls, but their words really hurt.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

I'm not sure you can change anyone else's mind about your collecting, but you can build up your own boundaries and start to shut out the impact of their opinions.

[@LionQueen106]

@@MelissaHunterTalk I will definitely try to start doing that, thank you Melissa!

[@clementine_xox]

Thank you, Melissa. You are a wonderful person. You helped me process my feelings and accept that it's okay to play. We don't have to 'adult' all the time.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Adulting is a part time job LOL!!

[@66lonerider]

Thank you so much for sharing this . It made me cry ,as it so connected with me . I remember ALL my childhood dolls and the feelings I had when receiving them ,have now brought all of them back again lol. We have to remember that to not only be kind to others, of course, but to be kind to ourselves too ,if this means a comforting ourselves through a "hobby" or "play" whatever you want to call it ,go do it . Life is too short.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Yes, we have to be kind to ourselves!!!!

[@nickwills8075]

When I was younger I had a big collection of barbies and Disney dolls and my parents one day decided because I was a boy I was not aloud to have dolls so they threw out them all but my Mommom kept the dolls I had at her house and every weekend I would go over and play with my dolls I specially remember I had the Barbie with the rubber tail that bend when you squeezed her hips and I would brush her long pink hair but one day my parents came to pick me up and found out about those dolls and I remember watching my dad put them in the trash can and I was screaming and crying I don’t think I honestly ever recovered from that honestly I bought my self a few Disney dolls a few years ago but I lost them in a move sadly but I think I’d like to collect dolls someday

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

That sounds absolutely awful. My heart is breaking for little you. I think sometimes when something like that happens we are actually afraid to go back to the thing we love for fear of losing it again. As a matter of fact, you just gave me an idea for a video!

[@zigzig9938]

It is sad! I’m more open minded and think any type of toys can be beneficial for a child to play as long as he/she likes them. My daughter plays with Barbies, LEGO, dinosaur figurines, cars, and I don’t mind. If I’ll have a boy I would give him the freedom to play with different toys.

[@doll_dress_swap12]

The idea that there may have been way more happy times than remembered but it’s blocked out by stronger traumatic memories is so true. When I think of my late childhood and teens, it’s often like a gaping void of suffocating blackness, and I feel surprise when I run across a picture or object that reminds me of laughter and joy from that period of my life. I’ve only gotten back into dolls during this last year in the pandemic, and there’s a part of me that’s wondered if the reason I’ve been so intensely drawn to it is due to some sort of regression back to childhood, but I haven’t been ready to face that thought or explore it to figure it out. This video makes me feel like I have permission to breathe and not worry that this is sign of doing something harmful and immature.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

I wish there were more pictures from my childhood that weren't posed. I think I would see a lot more smiles and laughter than I remember. Sadly my brothers don't have memories to share either. Sometimes I think I would like to do some kind of meditation that would help me go back, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to control what I see so.....yeah, not ready for that!

[@doll_dress_swap12]

@@MelissaHunterTalk I think it’s good to be mindful of how you go about digging into the past, because like you say there’s a danger of it being harmful if it’s approaches the wrong way. For example, I’ve really wanted to read through all my childhood journals in order to scrapbook important pages from them and declutter the rest, but found it sent me into a spiral when I tried to do that because a lot of the content was from me using it as a coping mechanism for stress at that time. So I know I need to pause that project until I’ve figured out a system for taking it on in increments that allows it in a healthy way where I have the time and space I need for the tears without it disrupting my day to day function now. I think if some thought is put into it, there can be ways to find activities that engage with the past that specifically target happy memories. Like, I was wondering if you either still have or have made a point to hunt down and collect the specific dolls you were mentioning enjoying as a child? Sorry for the long ramble of text here, but that question has been a bee in my bonnet since watching the video. Thanks for taking time to reply earlier!

[@iristhepng]

I’ve gotten back into doll collecting as a teenager, and it brings me so much joy to play with them and dress them! They are my family, and it’s super comforting to come home after a stressful/busy day and be able to look at them and smile. I agree with how you said that they are art, almost all of my dolls look like pretty art pieces!

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

So glad your dolls are there to comfort you!

[@eloisebeard3275]

I’m only 19, but I used to watch ur videos when I was younger, and I’ve recently started watching ur videos again and bought some dolls again as I felt like it would bring me happiness. I did sadly experience some traumatic things when I was younger and I hope it’ll help me. Thank you for this video you provide me with so much comfort. ❤️ I didn’t word this very well but I just wanted to share, as I enjoyed you sharing your thoughts and feelings so much.

[@hatuhite]

I came across doll customization videos on accident while I was taking care of my dad as he was passing away from kidney cancer. One day, I saw an Ever After High doll and I thought “This is an art-I’m gonna try this.” So I set the doll on my dresser and planned to take her apart. But I couldn’t do it. I enjoyed looking at her too much. I thought “This is so ridiculous; what am I going to do with a doll? But I love it!” After my dad passed, I started collecting them and I realized that I was healing my inner child and reconnecting with something very vital. It has healed me in ways I can’t express. I’ve had to fight off feeling of shame and realize it’s only a society stigma that I don’t have to worry about. Thank you so much for talking about this VERY IMPORTANT subject.

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

So sorry about your dad, but so glad you had a doll that gave you little moments of joy. And to heck with social stigma!

[@delaneytaylor6736]

I love this!! Ahh thank you!! Can we please get a house/doll tour? Ik the video might be hella long but maybe in a Livestream!!

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Maybe one day!

[@phoenixrising2268]

This is a wonderful video. I completely agree - I consider my dolls and toys to be great therapy!

[@cynthiayvette3861]

Playing, collecting, traveling has been pulling me through and I’m one year away from 50 !!! Perfect advice for me. Glad To know I’m not the only one doing this for healing!! Thanks so much !!! 😊

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

You are so not the only one!!!!

[@erindrury785]

Just found this video and yes, I call it doll therapy, as well. Or play. Most of my family drinks a lot from our dysfunctional upbringing, but I play with toys. My sister nailed it when she said I reverted back to childhood head-on after we lost our brother in 2010. And let me tell you, I also remember opening the Charlie's Angels ladies and van on Christmas morning! And Barbie, The Bionic woman, Donny and Marie, Cher, etc.... what a great time for dolls.

[@ab-gail]

This is exactly why I love Christmas! And you’re right. My dolls are good and they’re art. Thanks 💖

[@alienunicorn4178]

I love this I collect dolls, slime, Disney, and it helps me feel better my feeling still get sad when people ask why and feel I should abandon those things

[@melsmith110]

I definitely have trauma from growing up in an abusive home. I do not feel a need to reclaim my childhood, in fact I don't want to. What I am doing is working to heal from the trauma and then continue to be who I really am instead of what I believed I was. I love dolls and I love redressing them, sewing for them, displaying etc...shopping for them, collecting clothes for them... I also love the adult coloring books but I need the fine markers and colored pencils as I adore outlining the detail. Other hobbies include research, with pen and paper, methodical lists, writing on graph paper, symmetry, I find color intoxicating...I antique and thrift shop every chance I get. I may have gotten off topic but these are a lot of the things that make me happy. The love of my life though, are my kids and grandkids!!!

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Totally get that you don't want to reclaim, we all need to frame our healing in a way that works for us!!! So glad you have so many hobbies that bring you joy!!!

[@tkwia]

Bless you Melissa, bless you! 💕💕💕

[@lauriegentry7764]

Watching this over and over ❤️

[@Sam_A_]

I wish more people would talk about this. Thank you for being brave enough to do it. I suffer from C-PSD and sometimes collecting is the only thing that keeps me going

[@angelabolden5390]

Made the mistake of letting my friends know of my doll collecting but have been shamed as an adult for doing this. Channels like yours help me. Thanks for making me feel normal. ❤ Yes, I know about childhood trauma. Was physically and emotionally abused as a child. My doll collection has helped to escape as that is what I did as a child...escape to my dolls.💔

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Our friends shouldn't do that kind of stuff to us....I hope you find friends who love you just the way you are

[@valeriejoylauria8944]

Thank you for your wonderful videos and your insight. You speak with us in a language we can understand and relate to, it's not too clinical at all. It's very down to earth, honest, and wise advice. I look forward to your future videos! ☺️💕

[@MelissaHunterTalk]

Thank you so much!!!