PAX

TYPES OF ABUSE IN CHILDHOOD

• Sexual Abuse
• Physical Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying

The trauma of being abused in childhood can seriously impact on the individuals’ life, both during childhood and adulthood and many survivors of abuse experience a range of ongoing problems including:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Low Self Esteem
• Lack of Confidence
• Depression
• Self Harm
• Phobias
• Difficulties in Relationships
• Difficulties with Parenting
• Feelings of Inadequacy
• Feelings of Guilt & Shame
• Isolation
• Sleeping Difficulties
• Inability to Relax
• Sexuality Issues
• Panic / Anxiety Attacks

In childhood, these problems can adversely affect education, relationships with parents, teachers & peers, self development, self esteem, hopes & dreams for the future, sleep patterns, eating patterns and general quality of life.

If left untreated, on reaching adulthood, these problems will continue to adversely affect all aspects of health, employment and relationships to name but a few.

Many survivors of child abuse feel like they are going, or have gone crazy. They feel isolated and silenced by the thought that no one else could possibly understand what they are feeling, or what they are going through.

They often fear talking about their thoughts, feelings and past experiences, worrying that this will cause them to be victimised again, or that they will be blamed or judged for having been abused.

Many survivors worry about not being believed or they worry that in telling, they will be burdening or contaminating the other person.

Many survivors feel unable to say no to unwanted attention, demands, requests etc. made by other people, believing that if they say no, they will be rejected, disliked, blamed, judged etc.

Many survivors feel like they are constantly on a rollercoaster, experiencing extreme ‘highs and lows’.

Unable to share or express the anger and self loathing they often feel at having been helpless to prevent or stop the abuse, many survivors secretly punish and hurt themselves in an attempt to feel in control.

Many survivors of abuse become ‘caretakers’ of other people – constantly meeting other peoples’ needs and putting themselves last on the list when it comes to being adequately cared for. This can lead to self neglect, resentment and internalised anger.

Children who are abused often ‘split off’ and bury their trauma in an attempt to survive the psychological trauma. Many survivors of abuse still feel like the child they were, even though they have grown into adulthood and many deal with situations as if they were still a child. This in turn can lead to survivors frequently feeling out of control and helpless.

Feelings like this are normal responses to a terrifying ordeal.

TRAUMA RECOVERY

With Sharon Hales

I have specialised in counselling survivors of child abuse and other forms of trauma for the last 20 years. Throughout this time I have been privileged to witness many, many people recover from their trauma and go on to lead a happy, healthy life, feeling in control and confident.

The length of time this process would normally take varies according to the type of trauma, age at which it first occurred, whether or not the child was adequately supported at the time of the trauma and the quality of support the individual has in the present time.

I use a range of techniques including:

Advanced Counselling

Advanced Thought Field Therapy

Life Coaching

Deep Relaxation

Guided Visualisation and

Stress Management.

I tailor make each session according to the unique needs and requirements of every person I work with.

Cost: 1st session £50 for 1.5 hours

Subsequent sessions £35 for 1 hour

Suitable for all age groups and genders.

For further information or to book an appointment, please call:

PAX ( 0191 2515403