Childhood abuse is more frequent than one might think. The most well-known forms of abuse are physical, emotional, and sexual. However, neglect is also considered abuse, as is any kind of omission of necessary care for a child.
Abuse is always a form of violence and is therefore traumatizing.
Abuse often happens under the guise of benevolence and/or kindness. This leads to the abuse being silenced, disguised, and distorted.
As a consequence of abuse, you may…
- have issues around drawing boundaries,
- be suffering from feelings of shame and guilt,
- tend towards self-destructive behaviour,
- feel that your sexuality has been negatively impacted,
- find yourself suddenly and painfully reminded of the abuse.
Other consequences of abuse are addiction, self-harm, as well as anxiety, panic attacks or more general feelings of unease. You may also be longing for an intimate relationship while at the same time fearing one.
Psychotherapy
It is not easy to talk about abuse. It is therefore important that only you decide when you want to talk about it, and how much you want to disclose.
I feel that trust is an essential component of therapy, and that it can only develop over time. People who have suffered abuse often have difficulties with trust, and I will therefore give you the time you need to be able to trust.
In therapy, you will be able to gain a greater understanding of the connection between your present issues and the abuse you suffered. This helps process the abuse, making a freer and happier future possible.
