Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse | Incest
There are common misconceptions about love and boundaries that are meant to protect relationships but actually sabotage them. I’ll clear up the confusion and share the truths so you can care for yourself and others for deeper love and connection.
Even if you’ve developed boundaries in other relationships, it can be especially difficult to set boundaries with your family. They may still see you as a child and might even feel entitled to have a say in your life. Though it can feel frustrating and even shameful to revert to childhood roles, I share powerful tools for finally asserting yourself so you’re free to live on your own terms.
When you’ve experienced childhood sexual abuse, you’ve suffered profound losses. Until you acknowledge and grieve the losses, a part of you remains shut off and shut down. I’ll share the 5 stages of grief you experience as part of healing from abuse and the mistakes to avoid at each stage.
If you’ve started to face your past, you already know that it’s very painful. So many survivors think they have to choose between the extremes of being overwhelmed by pain or else avoiding it. I show you how to instantly feel better without relying on unhealthy coping methods so you can follow through with your commitment to heal.
by Christina Enevoldsen Fourteen years ago this month, I left my abusive marriage. I didn’t have any vision for a life apart from David, but I also couldn’t imagine staying. I wasn’t looking for freedom from abuse. Abuse wasn’t even on my radar. I wasn’t “taking a stand.” I didn’t feel powerful or brave; I simply knew I wouldn’t have a lifeRead more
by Christina Enevoldsen The new year is supposed to be something to look forward to—a fresh start, new possibilities—but I found myself feeling stress and dread. “I’m not ready.” “It’s coming too soon!” The countdown to 2018 was getting closer and closer and I felt unprepared for the effort it would require. I couldn’t show up in a way thatRead more
by Christina Enevoldsen I’ve been divorced from my mom for over 9 years now. I’ve gotten used to my mother’s rejection and her not being in my life. It doesn’t always bother me, but that doesn’t mean the feelings of loss don’t come up from time to time. I have a close friend who’s been estranged from her mom forRead more
by Christina Enevoldsen I was talking with a friend who’s planning to set some boundaries with family. I’ve heard the things her parents have said and done to her for years so I’m celebrating this big step with her. But my friend also shared her plans with someone else. That person wasn’t so supportive. That person’s advice to my friendRead more
by Christina Enevoldsen Compliance to dysfunctional family rules was survival as a child but it was self-betrayal in adulthood. One of the most significant sources of pain and damage of my abuse comes from betrayal, especially from my parents. The man who was charged with the responsibility to protect and care for me violated my innocence and trust again andRead more
by Christina Enevoldsen When I was seven, I started classes in preparation for my First Communion. In the Catholic church, Communion is an expression of unity with Christ. Girls dress up like brides in white dresses and veils, symbolizing their purity. While planning for the day, I insisted to my mother that I couldn’t wear white. I absolutely refused. Reluctantly,Read more