This post is for those who have survived sibling sexual abuse and for those who suspect something may have happened to someone they love. My goal is to help you recognize the hidden impact of sibling abuse, validate the emotions that arise, and inspire you to take steps toward healing.
If anything in this post resonates with you, take your time. Healing is not a race. Feel free to pause, reflect, journal, or reach out for support as you go.
Childhood sexual abuse is already a difficult topic to discuss, but when the abuser is a sibling, it becomes even more complex and rarely spoken about. Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is one of the most underreported and misunderstood forms of abuse, yet it occurs far more frequently than many realize.
Denial is a powerful defense mechanism, a shield that our psyche unconsciously holds up to protect us from painful truths. While it serves a purpose—offering a sense of safety in the midst of trauma—it can also keep us trapped, preventing us from fully healing and stepping into our power. Understanding this defense mechanism is a step toward breaking free from its hold and creating a life of clarity, strength, and authentic connection.
Motherhood is often described as one of the most profound and rewarding journeys a woman can experience. However, for many women who are survivors of childhood trauma, becoming a mother can bring unexpected emotional challenges. Old wounds may resurface, self-doubt can creep in, and fears of repeating painful patterns from the past can feel overwhelming.
This is a reality that many mothers face but don’t always talk about.
I loved meeting with my friend and colleague, Jeanne Byrd, to discuss how food, movement, and mindset can help heal the wounds of early trauma and create a foundation for authentic, lasting love. Jeanne is an Integrative Nutritionist making a connection between caring for your body and cultivating healthy, loving relationships.
Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where you felt like you were giving everything, but your partner just wouldn’t fully show up? Maybe they avoided deeper connection, their communication was hot and cold, or their actions never quite matched their words. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
Hello Sweetheart. Today, I want to reach into a space that may feel especially tender—a space where early wounds shape the way we see ourselves and, by extension, how we experience love. This is a conversation that runs deeper than romantic relationships alone; it’s about the relationship we carry with ourselves, the worthiness we feel, and the love we believe we deserve.
When I reflect on my early childhood experiences, I see just how much my past shaped how I connected with others. The need to protect myself felt almost like a reflex—I’d put up walls to keep from getting hurt, yet those same walls kept love out too. I struggled with an intense fear of abandonment, clinging to the hope that if I was “enough,” I wouldn’t be left.
January is a time of reflection and new beginnings, which is why so many people take the courageous step of reevaluating their marriages. But for those with a history of childhood trauma or CSA, the decision to leave can feel even more complex. In this post, I explore why so many choose this month to file for divorce—and how past experiences may be shaping your decision. If you’re at a crossroads, you’re not alone. Reach out, and I’ll share my Family Transitions Guidelines to help you navigate this process with clarity and compassion.
Setting boundaries is essential for everyone healing from childhood sexual abuse. Understanding the importance of boundaries and learning how to set them can significantly impact your healing journey. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the complexities of setting boundaries, the challenges you might face, and practical steps to help you start setting healthy boundaries in your life.