 | Joyce A. Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT). She owns Emotional Journey, LLC, which is a group, private practice made up of both male and females and which is located in Wichita, Kansas. We offer a full range of services including ‘talk’ therapy, sand tray therapy and therapeutic massage which all address the mind/body connection. We specialize in working with individuals (from tot to elderly), couples, families, and groups on a wide variety of issues. We also speak to groups or organizations on a variety of topics and offer chair massage at your business or group event. Emotional Journey, LLC is a member of many organizations, including The Wichita Chamber of Commerce, The Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Wichita Independent Business Association, and The Better Business Bureau. You may learn more by going to our web site: www.emotionaljourney.org, by telephone at (316) 295-4758, or through email: therapists@emotionaljourney.org. |
Health & Wellness
2008-03-01 09:38:00
Abuse - will it always affect me?
Question: I am a female in my late thirties. I seem to be having a lot of problems both in how I feel and in how I relate to others. Someone told me that the abuse and neglect that I suffered as a child could be the cause of my problems, but that was so long ago. Could it really be affecting me now? If so, what should I do?
Answer: Childhood abuse can cause a variety of difficulties in adulthood. These difficulties include the numbing of emotions and the avoidance of feelings, people, places, and circumstances which may trigger memories of past abuse (whether consciously or unconsciously). In adulthood, one’s memory and concentration can be negatively affected. Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are complications in adulthood often associated with unresolved childhood abuse issues. Women who were sexually abused as children tend to struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, sexual difficulties, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, flashbacks to the traumatic events, sleeping difficulties including nightmares, anger, a sense of helplessness, hopelessness, or powerlessness, amnesia, low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, and suicidal ideation and/or suicidal attempts. Severe childhood abuse can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or Dissociative Identity Disorder; leaving the adult female to feel a sense of being in a dream state or as if nothing is real. Oftentimes adults will make an attempt to use addictive behaviors to deal with the overwhelming emotions which result. Common addictions include the use of alcohol, drugs, food, gambling and over-spending, and other compulsive behaviors. Unfortunately, although these behaviors sometimes provide temporary relief, in the long run they only add to and complicate the problems. Although your situation may feel hopeless, it is not. For starters, try educating your self on what constitutes childhood abuse and learn the effects of this abuse on those struggling in adulthood; many books are available on the subject and can be of help in beginning this difficult journey of recovering. The internet can also provide invaluable information on this topic. Be careful though to pace yourself, as the feelings can sometimes become overwhelming. Oftentimes a trusted therapist can make the difference between suffering and healing. However, it is important to seek out a therapist who is skilled in working with those who have suffered from childhood abuse. You might also consider joining a therapy group for those females working to overcome the effects of childhood abuse. This can provide a safe environment in which to learn about the lasting effects of the abuse and to learn ways in which to overcome these effects. A therapy group can offer a place in which you will be supported by others who are dealing with the same painful issues. It can provide a place where you will be respected and believed and where your feelings will be validated. It can also provide a safe and supportive environment in which healing can occur. Therapy, whether individual or group, can help you as you begin working through the traumatic events of your past and the related emotions. In time, you will learn how to go about leading a happier and more fulfilling life. During the healing process, remember to be good to yourself; perhaps soaking in a bubble bath while listening to soothing music, spending quality time with a trusted friend, reading a book just for fun, sharing a laugh with others, etc. Remember to love yourself and to never forget the inner strength which you possess; the resiliency which resides within you can take you far in your recovery. Childhood abuse can continue to cause problems for the survivor, long after the abuse occurs. Trying to ‘forget’ the abuse and neglect can sometimes add to the problem. The damage done will not go away, no matter how hard you try to forget what happened. Instead, you must seek out others who can be supportive and understanding. Best wishes as you begin this difficult, although rewarding journey.
