If you are here, either you or someone close to you has been affected by childhood sexual abuse. If that person is you, ask yourself for the permission to heal yourself. Perhaps you have already done so, or perhaps you are not quite ready. We hope that regardless of where you are right now, you may find relief and a feeling of comfort in our forum.

For those of you who feel ready to share, what fears or anxieties are you facing about dealing with your trauma and working through this process? or, if you have already begun to deal these issues, what has this experience been like for you? Can you offer any advice to others struggling with childhood sexual abuse?

Because there is often shame, guilt, or fear in victims of sexual abuse, some of you may find countless reasons why you can't heal, don't want to heal because you never feel ready, or\ you believe inside that you don't deserve to heal..
First, be mindful and accepting of these upsetting reactions, understanding that your past experiences have a lot to do with how you feel today. Mindfulness is a very powerful way of coping, and we will discuss this further in future threads.
Ask yourself what comes up when you think this way:
"I don't deserve to heal because.."
"I don't deserve to change because.."
"I don't deserve to ask for help because.."

Then, deliberately dispute these beliefs using rational responses (even if you don't believe them, right now)

"I deserve to heal because.."
"I deserve to change my life because.."
"I deserve to ask for help because..."
If you've done this exercise and feel open enough to share your responses, please feel free to do so.

Disputing irrational beliefs can be powerful in the healing process. When we are experiencing a negative emotion, we are also experiencing negative thoughts. It can be very helpful to recognize when we are thinking in a way that is self-destructive.

Only you can make the decision to face the difficulties of the healing process. If you are ready, consider sharing this with others who are also here because they are looking for relief.