10 Ways for Healing from Abuse
Healing From Abuse – 10 Ways to Heal
by Emily Stroia
Healing from abuse can feel like a never-ending walk through the dark. Any traumatic experience can be difficult to process and accept. Speaking from personal experience, it wasn’t until my young adult years when I realized it was time to work through the painful memories of all the physical, sexual, and mental abuse I endured with my parents in my childhood years.
Facing the reality that you are or were abused and suffer with trauma from it is a huge realization. Often times, it may take us a while to begin the process of healing from abuse or even begin to accept that it happened.
There are so many times in my own experience when I questioned if it was my fault and if I was the one to blame for everything. However, through therapy and spiritual healing, I realized abuse is never deserved and that isn’t what real love looks like.
I also discovered that true healing from abuse doesn’t take place overnight, and that out of sight is never really out of mind. It takes time, commitment, and patience to accept what happened to you, forgive, and then let go.
As you begin the process of healing, I found some ways that were helpful to me and hopefully will be to you. The following ten suggestions are intended to assist you in healing from abuse.
10 Healing from Abuse Suggestions
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #1 – Talking about it with someone you trust
It took me a few years to finally open up to a therapist about the abuse. I felt that if I did share my story people would see it was my fault, and I was the one responsible. If this is you, don’t blame yourself for what happened. None of it was your fault. Don’t be afraid to seek therapy, talk to a mentor, best friend or teacher. They are the best ones to go to for support, understanding and a fresh perspective on the experience.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #2 – Explore healing through the creative arts
Are you creative? Do you enjoy the arts? Perhaps, you can find healing through art therapy, writing, taking a sculpture class or learning how to dance or play an instrument. Personally, I found writing and painting to be one of the most powerful tools to release my emotions and let go of a lot of pain. Allow your imagination to be free and don’t place any restrictions or limitations on your creativity.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #3 – Exercise
Exercise is such a powerful resource for anyone who has been abused. It releases a lot of emotions that may be repressed or avoided. Try to find an exercise that you can commit to at least 2-3 times a week for stress and emotional relief.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #4 – Spirituality: Meditation, yoga, exploring a particular faith or belief system
Explore your spiritual side. Find a book on mindfulness, meditation or intuition. There are tons of ways to develop your spirituality. See what works for you and practice it. Spirituality is such a personal experience that no one can take away from you. It’s the ultimate road to true, personal freedom.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #5 – Read and talk with other people who have had similar past abusive experiences
Don’t be afraid to find a support group, meet-up, or book where you can relate to other people who have been in abusive homes or relationships. This may help you learn new coping techniques and methods to heal.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #6 – Get a pet or plant
They say animals make the best companions and are also very therapeutic for people. I have a mini-schnauzer, and I have to say inviting her into my home was one of the best decisions I made. She brings me so much comfort and unconditional love. If you aren’t ready to commit to an animal, try getting a plant. Not only are they lovely to look at, but provide a calm ambiance in a home.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #7 – Allow yourself to be angry, sad, or hurt
In your journey to heal, allow yourself to have bad days, moments, and feelings. You will feel sad, hurt, and angry. Cry and hug your pillow, write, or just vent to a close friend. Just remember those feelings aren’t permanent.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #8 – Positive affirmations and self-talk
Notice how you talk to yourself and practice being kind and compassionate with yourself. Write down five things you love about yourself and put it somewhere you can see every day. I personally love this mantra, “I am worthy and deserving of love.”
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #9 – Self-love and nurturance
Pamper yourself. At least once a week do something nice for yourself. Nurture and love yourself in the way you would nurture a loved one who is healing from a traumatic experience.
Healing from Abuse Suggestion #10 – Forgive
When you are ready, allow yourself the opportunity to practice forgiveness. Forgive the person who abused you. Forgiveness is not to be confused with tolerance. We think that if we forgive that it was okay for that person or persons to abuse us. Forgiveness is letting go and saying, ‘I’m done with it.’
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About the Author
Emily Stroia is a professional Intuitive and Psychic Medium based in New York City. She uses her intuition to offer guidance to all her clients, encouraging them to move forward in a positive direction no matter what obstacles the future has in store for them. She also updates a personal blog and teaches classes on developing your intuitive and spiritual gifts.
