A Traumatic Childhood

The experience gained in childhood and adolescence largely shaped the way a person perceives himself, the world and other people..

If in the early environment there was no stability, emotional support, predictability or acceptance, this often leaves a deep footprint in adulthood, manifesting itself in the form of constant anxiety, inner uncertainty, difficulties in contact with oneself and others.

Many customers do not associate their current difficulties with early experience – but upon closer examination, it becomes clear:

• A person lives at a high level of internal tension, constantly expects danger, does not believe that can be accepted just like that – without evidence, effort, ideality.

Possible manifestations

Physical:

• Chronic tension, inability to relax
• Sleep problems (awakening, disturbing dreams)
• Headaches, functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
• Muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing
• Reduced or jumping energy

Emotional:

• Increased anxiety
• Shame for your feelings, needs, desires
• Difficulties with self-worth: ‘Something is wrong with me’
• Fear of being rejected or humiliated
• Inner loneliness even in contact with others

Behavioral:

• Difficulties with trust
• The desire to earn love through correspondence and control
• Avoiding close attachments or, conversely, strong addiction
• High sensitivity to criticism
• Self-criticism, perfectionism, sacrificial behavior

How to work with it

The therapeutic process includes:

• Restoring contact with one’s own ‘I’ – feelings, boundaries, values
• Gradual formation of an internal support, independent of the external assessment
• Work with anxiety and internal tension
• Development of stability, the ability to be in contact without fear and self-suppression
• Integration of past experience – without accusations, but with the ability to live in a different way

Important: working with the consequences of a dysfunctional childhood requires time and consistency, but it gives fundamental changes in the perception of oneself, in relationships and the quality of life in general.