Abuse Recovery for Women
The Problem
A history of abuse is a common background while the goal is to enter into or maintain recovery. Recovery is a two-fold process. The first step is healing from the traumas done to us in our past; and second step is healing from the influence these past experiences continue to have in our present lives.
(Most) Survivors of Physical / Sexual / Emotional Abuse . . .
• Are hesitant to identify themselves as victims of abuse.
• Feel isolated, depressed, worthless, and helpless to change.
• Are struggling with feelings about God in relation to their life experiences of being abused.
• Condemn themselves, denying that the past abuses affects their present circumstances.
• Feel out of control and defeated in areas of compulsive behavior.
• Feel angry, bitter, rebellious; have trouble with authority figures.
• Feel a lack of self-worth.
• Are preoccupied with thoughts of what it means to have a “normal” relationship with others; mates, friends, family.
• Question their own sexual identity and may experience confusion regarding their own sexuality.
• Desire to regain their sexuality and feel safe in intimate relationships.
• Question self-reality; “Who am I?”
• Question whether life has a purpose.
• Feel “at home” in crisis situations.
• Struggle with perfectionism or “all or nothing thinking.”
• Desire to have victory through Christ over the life experience of abuse.
