Axis counselling and psychotherapy service

For adult survivors of childhood sexual. physical or emotional abuse

    Psychological Effects of Childhood Abuse

    In adult life the psychological effects of past abuse can manifest themselves in many ways which includes:

    Low self esteem Anxiety Depression Suppressed anger
    Eating disorders Suicidal thoughts Alcohol/Substance abuse Self harm
    Violent/Destructive acts Troubled relationships Child raising problems Workplace problems

    Counselling relieves the effects of a victim's past traumas, enabling our clients to feel less a victim and hence gain increased control over their lives by enhanced self dependency and self control and so leading to improved life expectations.

    Feelings of the adult survivor

    Confusion - Guilt - Shame - Isolation - Grief - Depressed - Mistrust - Powerless -
    Anxiety - Fear - Need to Control - Anger - No identity - Stigmatised

    Factors for good mental health

    • Adjustment to own changing needs and environment.
    • Physical security - Need to feel bodily safe and free from fear.
    • Need to feel accepted by other people, especially parents.
    • Free of money problems/secure accommodation.
    • Need for love and affection - to know someone cares.
    • To feel accepted as a person in spite of faults.
    • The need for emotional warmth and consistency.
    • The need for freedom and self-respect.
    • The desire for independence and recognition.

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