I have been sexually abused since I was 7″
Problem
Since I was 7 my mum has sent me down the road to a family for them to look after me whilst she worked. One of the boys there has sexually abused me most of that time. I am now 15 and want a way out. I thought that was just what happened to people like us, however I have recently met a really nice girl in a cafe at the other end of town and when I confided in her she told me I need to get out and get help. My mum is depressed and is finding it really hard to make ends meet. I don’t want to get my mum into trouble but I need her to help herself so that she can help me.
I have been referred to a pyschologist but would like to look at other options. I have now been to see my doctor and he has suggested that I talk to someone and he advised that I have CBT. He is now looking into how I can do this and pay for it, but I would like to know more about it and go back to college so that I can improve my life.
Possible Solution
I am now seeing both a pyschologist and having CBT therapy through a group near me who have set up a centre to help people like me. They also have art therapists there and I am now doing that once a week. I think I am one of the lucky ones and it’s a lottery as far as if you live somewhere that helps people like me. It shouldn’t be like that – everyone should be able to get help but I am so glad that I could.
Possible Therapies
- Pyschologist
- Counsellor
- CBT
- Art Therapy
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My dad used to beat my mum up”
Symptom
My father used to beat my mum up and he was always drunk and angry. My parents split up when I was 11 and I have not had much to do with him since then. I now have my own children and when I get angry I get really scared that I will become like him. I do have a temper and people say you inherit a bad temper but there must be a way I can change this pattern. I do not want my children to grow up thinking it’s normal and yet I want to be able to get angry when necessary without being frightened.
I have been to a hypnotist but it did not really do it for me. My doctor has suggested CBT and art therapy but I do not know much about them and what they can do for me. I have always been interested in art but my mother said I had to get a professional job which I did and its ok, I just always feel frustrated. I love my family and am happy to provide for them but I cannot help but feel I am not being my full self as I am frightened of being me and what that means.
Possible solutions
Coming from abusive backgrounds does shape your future. Even if you were not actually abused yourself the emotional scars will be there. Some people can go through life hiding them and sometimes they come out in ways you don’t expect and you don’t know where they came from and how to deal with them. Having my own children was what made me have to deal with the issues I had carried. I went to see a cranial osteopath and she helped me understand that my parents’ behaviour was neither my fault or my problem. I have been seeing her for two years now and whilst I only go every six months my life is in control and I understand who I am. I have also done art therapy which I loved and has enabled me to reignite my passion for art.
To help deal with such issues from your past which you thought you had left in the past there is plenty of help available and it does not necessarily mean talking to a counsellor or going on medication. Cranial osteopathy, reiki, homeopathy, cognitive behaviour therapy, art therapy, are just a few options available.
Possible therapies
- Cranial osteopathy
- Reiki
- Homeopathy
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- Art therapy