Liberating from early childhood trauma and neglect​

In an ideal world, our childhood reminds us of psychological safety, deep acceptance, security in our primary attachments (e.g., parents), positive self-esteem, joy, playfulness, and other experiences that nourish us and help us put our best foot forward as psychologically healthy adults.

Unfortunately, for many of us, the reality is far from this description. We suffer through humiliation poured on us by our caretakers, bullying in schools and family relationships, sexual assault and abuse by trusted people around us, shame, guilt, and messages that say that we are inherently unworthy of love. As much as you and I would like, these painful memories don’t stay in the past. Early childhood experiences of emotional suffering, pain, and neglect can continue to dramatically affect our adult relationships with our partner, children, co-workers, siblings, and even community members. Although these patterns can look different for each one of us, you may recognize yourself in one of more of these:

• Pursuing relationships that continue to undermine your self-esteem, self-confidence, and your self-worth
• Putting up with friendships (or any relationships) that are one-sided, and mostly cater to the needs of the other person
• Isolating ourselves by avoiding emotional intimacy, as it can feel too vulnerable
• Focus on other people’s needs, and avoiding your own
• Numbing out your pain by engaging ineffectively with food, social media, or sleep
• Feel excessive guilt when you engage in any form of self-care
• Yearn for validation from others

You can choose to heal yourself and stop this pattern of self-defeat. At Soulfulness, you can move past your trauma history, and be your highest and best self!