| Sexual Abuse Recovery ...(childhood) |
Rarely is anything so upsetting as the news of a child being sexually abused.
The emotional impact on victims, families, and society as a whole is profound and lasting.
Victims of sexual abuse often suffer for years with intense emotional, relational, and spiritual
consequences through no fault of their own.
The family and loved one(s) of the victim may also experience emotional and relational
fall-out as a result of the abuse.
Childhood sexual abuse significantly affects a child's view of
self, the world, others and God. Over the years, children may develop
the following misconceptions:
- I am not safe
- I have no rights
- I am powerless
- I am unlovable
- I can't trust people
- God is punishing me
The spiritual impact of sexual abuse may not be evident at first but is ultimately
pervasive and life-changing. Sexual abuse victims struggle with seeing God as good & loving.
They are often plagued with the thought,
"Why didn't God stop this from
happening to me?" A victim's sense of abandonment can be overwhelming.
Some describe sexual abuse as a "crime of the soul", since it affects all aspects of a child’s emotional
development. Survivors of abuse may view their body as not their own and respond
by either allowing others to abuse them or by completely shutting off their God-given desire
for sexual intimacy. The following are often rooted in sexual abuse:
- Sexual intimacy difficulties
- Sexual promiscuity
- Sexual addiction
- Sexual aversion
Problems with relational intimacy can also be a direct result of sexual abuse. Closing
oneself off emotionally to others; failing to commit to others relationally; or going from
one unfulfilling relationship to the next, are sometimes consequences of sexual abuse.
Other symptoms may include:
- Eating Disorders
- Anger and Rage
- Physical abuse of another
- Sexual abuse of another
- Substance abuse
A counselor can help you identify and grieve your losses, recognize & replace harmful negative thought patterns, explore & receive God's
plan of restoration for your life, and establish new and healthy foundations where needed.
Counselors may also make use of adjunctive therapies such as:
- EMDR
- Art therapy
- Group therapy
Speak with one of our Client Care Coordinators to set-up an appointment if you experience:
- Overwhelming sense of shame or guilt with normal sexual relationships
- Extreme fear, depression, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Intrusive memories or dreams
- Sexual dysfunction (see above list)
- Problems accepting your femininity or masculinity
- Eating disorders (especially bulimia and binge eating disorder)
- Pattern of either pushing people away or allowing others in your life too quickly
- Periods in your history you can't remember
Directions Counseling Group's services are confidential, comprehensive, and compassionate.
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