Broken Bones, Broken Lives

INTRODUCTION

Childhood Is Not Destiny

Like many of you, I am an adult survivor of childhood abuse. We believed our fates were sealed forever through that abuse. Many of us lost more hope through our own addictions and troubled lifestyles. But, in some uncanny and unpredictable moment, a door opened and we walked through it into recovery.

I hope this book will be a companion for you, in that recovery. I know no book ever written will heal your childhood abuse. This book is an informative guide. No one person possesses all the wisdom we need, either. Beware of authorities making that claim. We each know a little, and together we can save lives.

If you picked up this book, you probably feel you have not recovered from the consequences of your childhood. But your life isn’t over. The abuse does not need to destroy your opportunity for freedom and happiness.

As the result of my own time in therapy, my education, and 22 years in private practice as a psychotherapist, I’ve targeted some treatable challenges we share, in this book:

We believe the abuse was our fault.

We secretly try to figure out what is “normal,” and blend in.

We are anxious or depressed most of the time.

We fear closeness to others and we trust no one.

We have few life skills but cannot ask for help.

We need approval but don’t know how to get it.

We are overly responsible or we are irresponsible.

We feel we will explode if we cannot control our surroundings.

We seek comfort in addictions to substances and to people.

We have experienced a great deal of loss.

Surviving childhood abuse has made us surprisingly strong. That strength is the foundation for our recovery. What follow are tools to help you use that strength.