Adult Survivors of Child Abuse

Were you a victim of child abuse?

All childhood abuse involves an adult or a person of authority who violates a child’s trust. Abuse can be classified as physical, emotional or sexual or any combination of the three types of abuse.

If you were abused as a child, chances are you learned to protect yourself using various coping mechanisms. The ways you adopted to cope may continue into adulthood even though you no longer need the mechanisms for protection.

Examples of How Children Cope with Abuse

Some examples of coping styles include:

• Denial
• Withdrawal
• Acting out
• Self-blame

Behavioral Effects of Child Abuse

In an attempt to erase and dull the memories and the pain of childhood abuse, you may have had or still have any number of prevalent behavioral effects such as:

• Nightmares and sleeping problems
• Sexual acting out
• Difficulty touching or being touched
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Eating disorders

Child Abuse is Often Hidden

If you were like many survivors, you may have never told anyone about the abuse you suffered. You may have been threatened, shamed and or were too young to understand what was happening to you. Or, if you tried to talk to an adult about the abuse, you may have been ignored or minimized, or even punished for your disclosure.

Is Former Child Abuse Affecting Your Life Today?

It is common for adults who suffered child abuse to retain feelings of guilt, shame, fear, anxiety and depression. You may have difficulty trusting, with intimacy and building lasting friendships. To avoid being hurt again, you may be controlling with others and have other behavior that interferes with building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Get Help from a Licensed Therapist

Sadly, childhood abuse can affect every area of your life. Getting professional help is an important step to taking control of your life.

When you turn to Community Psychological Services, you will find a safe, supportive, non-threatening environment and the help you need to gain a better understanding what happened to you as a child. Your therapist will help you to explore the coping mechanisms you are using that might be a result of your childhood abuse, but are no longer adaptive and productive for you today.

You and your therapist can work together to develop new skills that will assist you in meeting your needs. Therapy can help you lessen the emotional and behavioral effects caused by your abusive childhood and allow you to move forward and to engage in healthy relationships, begin to raise your self-esteem and live a more complete and satisfying life.

Arrange an Appointment at our Encino Office Today

Call (818) 907-7974 to schedule an appointment with a trained psychotherapist. Community Psychology Services is conveniently located on Ventura Blvd. Our office is easily accessible to major freeways and parking is available at our location.