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Childhood abuse

Whatever the form, Sexual, Physical or Psychological, the experience of childhood abuse is traumatic, which can have a profound effect and can continue to impact a person throughout their lives. Research tells us at least 1 in 6  boys are affected by abuse or assault, yes it is hard to believe,  1 in  4 girls will be abused, before turning 18.

So many men and women suffer in silence. You are not the only one. I have found men often receive the message "they should not appear weak or vulnerable. " This can act as a barrier to receiving help. The emotional impact in delaying recovery can lead to self-destructive behaviour, chronic health conditions, or suffering from dissociative identity disorders, PTSD, depression anxiety, social dysfunction, failed relationships, and much more. 

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Abusers can be a female or a male, often it is someone you know, a family member, a friend. It could be anyone.

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In my experience working with survivors of sexual abuse,  I have learned through my patients it can have a massive impact, leave a person with feelings of powerlessness, learned helplessness, feelings of being inadequate "not good enough" vulnerable and isolated.

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Stigmatised, feeling different as the experience of trauma is so isolating, leaves deep feelings of aloneness in yourself and feelings of deep shame.

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Trauma can damage the person's ability to enter a trusting relationship, emotionally and physically. Trust becomes a big concern, trusting themselves trusting "others no one appears safe". The sense of betrayal is huge. Working with your relational trauma in counselling, if you're exhibiting disorganised attachment, keeping others at a distance, being suspicious and distrusting, this is a normal response to trauma. 

 

sexual violence, abuse impacts health in many ways can lead to short or long term mental health problems.

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Childhood or adult abuse counselling offers the chance to talk in a safe, and non-judgemental environment. It takes time to recover from trauma. It is not easy. You may have to re-learn things you didn't learn in childhood, exploring your attachment and behavioural styles learnt to keep you safe or to survive. But now maybe outdated and unhelpful, keeping you stuck!. Learning to become patient with yourself through the stages and seeing yourself as worthy, creating boundaries and surrounding yourself with the right people. Learning self-compassion, understanding and stopping unhelpful behaviours such as comparing ourselves or beating ourselves up. 

I passionately believe in healing through our relationships and therapeutic counselling relationships can be supporting while encouraging you towards your recovery. To come to terms and stabilise your emotional self to take back control of your life, I place a strong emphasis on personal empowerment.

 

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