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
Lack of identity	Personality disorder	Paranoia	Self harm
Suicidal thoughts	Alcohol/Substance abuse	Helplessness / hopelesness
Dissociation including psychogenic amnesia

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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