Most would agree that the experiences we have before we are 18, have an effect on who we become as adults.
This includes the good and the bad: fun experiences, accomplishments, mistreatment or abuse.
It all has an impact.
Adverse experiences in childhood such as….
- being chronically put down or humiliated,
- living with a depressed, mentally ill, or alcoholic parent,
- losing a parent to divorce or death,
- being emotionally neglected, physically or sexually abused,
- as well as many other types of toxic childhood stressors,
….often contribute to
- difficulty knowing and trusting your own emotions.
- feeling disconnected, unfulfilled, or empty.
- difficulty trusting or relying on others.
- thinking that something is wrong with you and that you are different from other people.
- feelings of shame, self-criticism and taking on too much blame.
Over time, the impact of those adverse experiences increase because they keep getting touched and triggered in new situations.
You may have tried to push the pain down or use other distractions to cope. But in doing so, the healing and recovery never fully happen.
Instead, recovery is delayed as you minimize childhood experiences.
Recovery is delayed when you are reminded of past experiences and tell yourself…
“I should be just fine.”
“It was a long time ago.”
“It’s stupid to let that still affect me.”
These are all false statements. It is unrealistic to expect that at some magical age your childhood hurts will stop hurting.
Talking about the impact those experiences have had on you and becoming aware of how it plays out in your life can help you move forward in a stronger way.
You can learn the steps to healing from your difficult childhood experiences.
You can learn to value and trust your own feelings, wishes and needs.
You can experience more trust, connection and fulfillment with others.
All these changes will help you stop avoiding conflict and trust that talking about differences of opinion can actually strengthen a relationship.
You can feel more emotionally connected to your partner as you increase your comfort with sharing your thoughts and emotions.
And all these changes will help you feel less lonely. You will feel more known and valued.
By increasing your emotional awareness and improving your communication you can transform yourself and your relationships.
I would love help you with these steps toward deeper recovery. Please contact me today for an appointment.