Victims of emotional, physical, financial or sexual abuse often require extensive support in order to heal and move on from the trauma. The effects of abuse, if not dealt with in a healthy manner, can last a lifetime. If abuse has somehow impacted your life and you are carrying around feelings of pain and fear, a positive counselling relationship can help you clear the past and move forward with a strong, positive future.
Trauma, by definition, is the result of exposure to an inescapably stressful event that overwhelms a person’s coping mechanisms. An important aspect of a traumatic event (or pattern of events) is that it exceeds the victim’s ability to cope and is therefore overwhelming. For example, a child should not have to cope with abuse, and when abuse occurs, is not equipped psychologically to process it. Often, symptoms of past trauma, if not worked through, can continue to manifest in one’s life.
The symptoms of unresolved trauma in general can mimic other disorders such as: depression, anxiety, problems with alcohol and drugs, sleep issues, and eating disorders. Many have problems in their relationships and find it difficult to trust people again. Many even end up in abusive relationships and find themselves re-enacting the past.
If you or a loved one may be suffering from delayed effects of trauma due to childhood abuse, or you are experiencing the trauma from abuse or an overwhelming experience presently, we encourage you to make a therapy appointment with one of our psychologistswho can support you in working through this.
Potential resources:
GoodTherapy.org – Abuse/Survivors of Abuse
Helpguide.org – Abuse Help Guide