How to Heal from Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is not only an unwanted assault on the body, but the soul. A part of a child’s developmental years have been taken away. There is loss, guilt,depression and a barrage of emotional fallout from being abused. Healing is not just one treatment modality. There is not a pill to take or a specific therapeutic style to implement. In my own experience, I had to resort to a variety of methods that worked for me. In retrospect there clearly was a karmic thread that weaved each experience.
Healing the scarred soul takes time, perseverance, a desire to get better, hope, and the ability to seek out and ask for help. There is a learning process that must take place. In order to begin this process one must revisit the painful cause. With this, comes introspection and how and why we react the way we do in relationships. It also allows us to look in the mirror at ourselves.
Self esteem destruction from abuse is devastating. Therapists need to focus on re-framing, and empowerment of the attributes one possesses but fails to see. I am a firm believer that out of all trauma comes benefit. Experiencing despair and loneliness comes appreciation for companionship and hope.
Victims of abuse frequently make bad choices in relationships. This cycle must be recognized in order to move into a healthy one. Many victims of abuse are fearful to disclose due to perceptions of others, stereotypes, and labels.
When one finally reach confidence, and security about who they are as a person, then a slow process of trusting others will develop. Remember, personal growth from trauma is not a short term process. It is a lifetime dance of healing and awareness.
Cancer patients have been known to benefit greatly from a diverse treatment modality. Not only traditional medicine, but laughter, meditation, prayer, peer support, pet therapy, and group therapy.
Research consistently holds true for victims of abuse. Healing the wounded soul takes time and an openness to many treatment methods. Listen to what others have to offer, it does not mean you have to accept all of their advice. It never hurts to experiment and try a different approach.
Do not be complacent. RISK !! You may fail, but risk again. Have hope. The healing has already started by you asking this question and reading this page. In peace and healing, Dan Williams
How the book,Above His Shoulders will help:
In the book, I describe my failures in treatment and my bout with intense depression. Through trial and error I found some awesome therapists, and was open to alternative methods of healing. The therapist and victim can get a feel and understanding that hope indeed exists, it is in us all the time. There needs to be re-framing and a different outlook. Hope is the primary message of the book. I speak of the many different treatment approaches I experienced. One should try and be open to all forms of help and interventions.
Become a fan on facebook. See the photographs of the actual oak tree and the authors home, as well as a sneak peak at the new book. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Above-His-Shoulders/274131107309?ref=nf
