About CHILD ABUSE

Child Abuse has a devastating impact on the physical and emotional well-being of children. Preventing child abuse and providing early intervention and support to families at risk are critical goals. The consequences of abuse may vary in severity. It may cause emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem and self-worth, difficulty with intimate relationships, emotional detachment, perfectionism, self-harming behavior, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. The following are examples of the various forms of child abuse.

Emotional or Psychological abuse involves the persistent use of words, actions, or behaviors that harm a child’s emotional well-being. It can include constant criticism, humiliation, belittling, shaming, or threatening a child.

Physical abuse involves intentionally causing physical harm or injury to a child. It can take the form of hitting, punching, kicking, burning, or any other actions that result in physical pain or injury.

Sexual abuse of a child is defined as any non-consensual sexual activity with another person which can include molestation, rape, sexual exploitation or exposing a child to explicit content.

Bullying is a repeated and intentional aggressive behavior directed toward another person or group of people who are perceived as vulnerable or weaker. It involves an imbalance of power, where the bully has more physical or social power than the victim, and it typically occurs over an extended period of time.

Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) is a psychological concept that refers to a situation in which a child’s emotional needs are consistently unmet or ignored by their caregivers during their formative years.

My Approach

In my practice, I use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help individuals who have experienced childhood abuse such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy and Mindfulness training. These modalities are tailored to fit the unique situation each client is bringing to therapy in order to facilitate the various aspects of healing and growth. I use CBT in order to help my clients set goals and identify challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that may have developed as a result of the abuse. Family therapy helps improve communication, understanding, and support within the family unit. It can help address any unresolved issues related to the abuse and foster a more positive family environment. I use Mindfulness to help clients learn how to be more self-aware. This can be particularly beneficial in healing from childhood abuse because it helps individuals manage difficult emotions, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.

Outcomes

I invite my clients to ask questions or share their thoughts and concerns about the treatment approach. I encourage open communication to ensure they feel comfortable and actively engaged in the therapeutic process. Building trust and a therapeutic relationship with my clients is crucial in treating childhood abuse. I aim to create a foundation that encourages emotional healing, improved coping skills, enhanced self-esteem and resilience, empowerment and ultimately, recovery from trauma.