Childhood Abuse & Neglect
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Neglect and abuse in childhood is known to cause damage to self-worth and hinder or destroy our relationships, including the relationship with ourselves, our partners, work and friends. It may affect our choice of partner, friends, self-care, career, physical and mental health and alcohol and drug consumption.
Childhood abuse and neglect can happen in various ways - verbally, emotionally, physically or sexually. Neglect can be overt or subtle - a parent not being available to you, even when they may be in the same room or being overly critical and rejecting of you, or perhaps withholding affection, time or an ear. It may be that your parents were loving but someone somewhere abused you and you kept that "secret" through fear. Through your experiences in childhood you form your attachment style in future relationships. Through neglect or abuse we may form insecure or avoidant attachment styles, which may result in difficulties forming and maintaining healthy relationships. We may chop and change relationships frequently, choosing to end those relationships through fear - whether consciously or unconsciously sabotaging those relationships to seek an end to it. Or, we may cling and become needy in relationships, pushing the other person away inadvertently. You may be hypervigilant where you look for the worst about to happen in your relationship, have trust issues or be co-dependent. Angela has worked for many years in counselling with a charity who help those who've been abused as children in orphanages as well as working in private practice with those who wish to heal the scars of neglect and abuse they suffered as children. Trust is often an issue for those who've suffered childhood abuse and Angela recognises and respects this. You can be assured of gentle compassion, empathy and a safe space to work in your own time through these issues. You can reach Angela on 07736 480 376 or email her for more details |
