If you are reading this, take a breath, and know that you are taking the time to figure out what you need and if you have been coping with some of these issues. If there are enough disturbances here that seem familiar to you, exert your power to get the help that will enable you to have the life you want. You can heal from childhood sexual abuse,
Often it is hard to determine if you are dealing with having been sexually abused as a child. You may have decided that it was better and safer for you to put the experience in the background of your memory. As an adult survivor you may feel as if there are obstacles that are in the way of intimacy: uncomfortable and anxious, you might avoid relationships that include friendships and partnerships.
Childhood sexual abuse is best defined as any sexual contact that occurs between a child and an adult: the child experiences force or threatened force and has not given or is not able to give consent. From ACOG.ORG “Sexual contact between an older child and a younger child also can be abusive if there is a significant disparity in age, development, or size, rendering the younger child incapable of giving informed consent. The sexually abusive acts may include sexual penetration, sexual touching, or non-contact sexual acts such as exposure or voyeurism (2). Legal definitions vary by state; however, state guidelines are available by using the Child Welfare Information Gateway.”
Depression, anxiety, and anger are the most commonly reported emotional responses to childhood sexual abuse. Gynecologic problems, including chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, vaginismus, nonspecific vaginitis, and gastrointestinal disorders are common diagnoses among survivors.
What you might be feeling…
Emotionally:
Low-self esteem, anxiety and phobias, depression, nightmares/daymares, persistent invasive thoughts about the abuse, self-blame, shame, regret, excusing the abuser, post traumatic stress disorder, attention/organizationally issues, self- destructive to self through risky behavior, dangerous relationships, hyper sexuality, suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation (not just thinking about it, you have a picture in your mind of the plan)
Physically:
Cutting, hair pulling, pelvic pain and inflammatory disease, vaginismus, low pain threshold, dyspareunia, Erection difficulty, disappear for seconds, minutes or hours at a time, ( sometimes finding yourself in a place that you do not remember going to.closet or confused as to how you actually
Sexually what you might experience:
Desire discrepancy, prostitution, multiple partners, re-victimization, depression of arousal, many partners, difficulty setting boundaries,
What is the process?
The first part of the process is to create a place that initially feels somewhat safe for you. It is difficult to feel safe and to trust when facing the memories of, and trying to coping with, Childhood Sexual Abuse. Build the trust, and understand that you are working with someone who is compassionate and committed to healing. You will be engaged in techniques relaxation, conversation, role play, guided imagery, EMDR and dream work. The goal is to collaborate with you as you learn to peacefully live with and integrate the grief and trauma that have been components in your life.
Potential Outcome:
Self-confidence, inner strength, work life is more productive and successful, ability to self-soothe, desire to have fulfilling relationships, decreased anxiety and depression, tools used to calm and soothe your soul.
Hint: When you avoid dealing with the pain of abuse, emotional pain is often magnified by the intensity of the avoidance..