Adult survivors of childhood abuse

Adult survivors of childhood abuse, in whatever form, can be left with a whole host of insecurities and feelings of inadequacy in later life. Feelings such as unworthiness, guilt, shame, feelings of not being good enough, and suffering from anxiety on a daily basis, are all common in survivors of child abuse, as is a variation in how they feel about themselves. Some even feel good most of the time, with the self critical thoughts and feelings just lying in wait until they have one set back or another.

Many are unable to recognise their own needs and often, if not always, put other people before themselves. No matter how exhausted or overwhelmed they feel, they do not feel they have the ability or strength to say no. This inhibits them from reaching their full potential due to a debilitating lack of confidence and low self esteem.

This cycle of negative behaviour carries further implications in bringing about continuing cycles of dysfunctional relationships, and because something was damaged at a fundamental level, survivors tend to feel they are undeserving and unable to give and receive love. As children they have learned to see things differently in order to handle the abuse, and this perception is carried forward into adulthood. As adults they are left feeling unable to trust their own judgements and instincts, leaving them vulnerable and unprotected.

These feelings lead to a sense of loneliness or isolation. All of this can have a detrimental effect, leading to negative behaviours such as excessive drinking, over eating, making unhealthy food choices or addictions such as shopping or gambling. Although these actions appear to fill a void, it is only temporary at best. Those outdated, negative beliefs that were instilled during childhood are still running their life in the background, often unawares.

If any of the above rings true for you, then working with hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and BWRT can help to remove those unwanted and outdated behavioural patterns, leading to a more balanced, happier and fulfilled life.