Counselling for Adult Survivors
The Benefits of Counselling for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse
As the long-term consequences for victims of childhood sexual abuse come to light, there is new understanding of the potential benefits of therapeutic support.
These include:
Reclaiming a Sense of Trust
Often those who have experienced the pain, confusion and overwhelming effects of childhood abuse are living with coping strategies that may not be effective. Counselling can teach new coping tools that can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. This can help focus the survivors on living in the present and start gaining a sense of trust.
Therapy Begins with Connection
The connection with an individual counsellor initiates a journey to reclaim the underlying sense of trust and safety lost through abuse. The relationship of therapy provides an opportunity to form a trusting relationship with a counsellor who provides skilled and caring guidance through the process of addressing the pain of the past.
Within the safety of therapy, the story of one's abuse may emerge. This time in the presence of a supportive ally allows the survivor the opportunity to explore and express that which was impossible to express in childhood. Healing begins as the long-held secret of abuse and betrayal is allowed to be spoken and grieved by the survivor – and in turn, heard, believed and validated by the counsellor.
Letting go of Mistaken Beliefs from Abuse to Claim a New Sense of Self
Almost universally, the victims of childhood abuse live with the misguided belief that they did something wrong to cause the abuse. They may feel that they do not deserve happiness or success. Brilliant, gifted men and women, whose lives appear on track in every other way, exhibit inexplicable, self-defeating behaviours.
These actions are expressions of underlying wounds that keep personal and professional fulfillment out of reach. Through the process of therapy, survivors are able to let go of the mistaken beliefs taken on from an abusive childhood and claim their true and authentic sense of self.
Ending the Generational Cycle of Abuse
As individuals come to heal from the effects of abuse, they also become more able to create safety for themselves and for those in their care. Individuals, families and communities become safer and stronger as the effects of abuse decrease. Healing and awareness can contribute to ending the generational cycle of abuse.
Finding Hope and Fulfillment
Through an intense and gradual process with the trained counsellor the survivor's world view created as a child, including self blame and shame, can be unravelled to reveal a new framework for understanding themselves, their strengths and their abilities for hope and fulfillment in their lives. Survivors are able to create stability for themselves that in turn allows new possibilities of trusting, respectful, and healthy relationships with others.
