Abuse during childhood or adulthood can have significant impact on people’s views of themselves, the world and the future. Without an early sense of security, people are often left feeling distrustful, inferior, and alone. In addition, there is often a secrecy about abuse in childhood, and this leaves adult victims of abuse feeling stigmatized and different from others. Often, children blame themselves for abuse, and carry a view of themselves as “bad,” “worthless” or “undeserving” into adulthood. This can negatively impact how people act in relationships, sometimes replaying the same patterns in adult relationships that they experienced in childhood. Adults who were abused may have more of a tendency toward self-destructive actions, such as substance abuse, unhealthy relationships, and sabotaging any successes that they may be capable of. Depression is a common outcome of childhood abuse.

Therapy can help people confront the negative messages they give themselves, along with deciding on ways to act in a kinder way toward themselves. Persons can dispel the self-blame, secrecy, and shame and learn to think about themselves as deserving, worthy human beings. As you can imagine, these are not easy patterns to change. However, the hope that can come with therapy can far outweigh the distress of dealing with these very difficult issues.

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