Carnival Edition February 2010: Self-Love

Welcome to the February 2010 edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse. This month's theme is "Self-Love". I hope you find some great information and some good ideas in the following blog-posts. To read the full article in their orignial please click on the highlighted link. Thanks everyone for their contribution.

Resolving Resolutions: How Will You Begin the New Year? posted at Dr. Kathleen Young: Treating Trauma in Chicago. Dr. Young presents a lovely post about a new form of 'resolution' that involves self love.

Forgiveness posted at Multiple Voices, saying Forgiveness is an interesting issue and readers have commented lots on posts touching on forgiveness (see comments here). It seems that to forgive is very difficult.

Edelweiss: My Anthem posted at Mind Parts, saying, "Thank you for the carnival. I've been mildly involved with the "Carnival Against Child Abuse" and hosting next month's, and in the process found yours. For some reason I had always thought they were one and the same. What I just posted recently is exactly along the lines of your theme of "Self Love" this month. Hope you enjoy it. Paul."

When does avoidance become Self Care? posted at Multiple Voices, saying ...avoidance is not something a bunch of avoidant people came up with to legalise avoidance. It’s a human condition to assure survival and the integrity of one’s body and mind. That’s why we don’t walk on hot coals every day – unless we want to demonstrate to our self and others that we are capable of great courage and can overcome our fears.

Female Sex Offenders and their victims- Reference materials and scholarly papers posted at What about when MOM is the abuser?, saying, "A listing of all the research available on this topic which I hope may be of help".

How to have a happy childhood posted at Multiple Voices, saying ...having a happy childhood means that you take time to cater for the child-ego states. Allow the ‘free child’ within to have room to live and be expressed. That can happen most fully when you deal with yourself and your needs and wishes with the stance a caring, nurturing parent would have.


Hugs posted at Shattered into one piece, saying, "This is the self-love that I discovered as a small child and how I attempted to fill the holes that abuse and neglect left."

Becoming your own best friend posted at Multiple Voices, saying ...There comes a time in everyone's recovery - whether you are a multiple or a singleton - where you have to become your own best friend. It always amazes me to see how much head ache is caused by the fact that survivors of sexual abuse go way out of their way to 'be there for others', helping family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues while they run out of time to attend to their own needs.

About Angela Shelton posted at Comments on: About Angela, saying, "I thought I would share this ladies blog with you. Her survivor manual is awesome and is mostly video's of her speaking at different places. There is one speech that she did to a bunch of girls in a detention centre and she talked about how we self abuse and our language to ward ourselves. I find this lady very inspirational and all her tools are awesome and have helped me heaps. She talks about our hurt and pain being a sword peirced through our stomach and she has a warrior workbook that helps you to take out the sword, heal the wound and use your sword to be a warrior and use what has once broken you for good."

Self Love posted at Multiple Voices, saying ... For DID clients COMING TOGETHER depended on establishing a caring and trusting relationship with their different personality parts. After therapists have modeled appreciation for the originally positive intention and helping nature of the different parts of the client’s personality, they had to do that for themselves.

Courage in Patience - Interview with Author Beth Fehlbaum posted at ZenTactics - Child Abuse Recovery, saying, "An interview with Courage in Patience author Beth Fehlbaum. A must-read for anyone who is trying to heal from child abuse."


That concludes this edition. Next month's carnival is covering MEMORIES. Readers have the opportunity to submit articles that cover the importance of memories in their recovery, how to deal with the flooding of memories, and the issues that arise when people experience a lack of memories.

Submit your blog article to the next edition of
recovery from childhood sexual  using our  carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our  blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: recovery from childhood sexual abuse, blog carnival.

Upcoming Edition February 2010 Explores SELF LOVE

The upcoming edition of the Blog Carnival "Recovery from sexual abuse" will cover SELF LOVE as an important aspect of recovery and healing. Contributions are invited that explore the meaning and importance of self love, the difficulties people encounter in their attempt to love all parts of themselve, and how they achieve self love. Follow this link to post your contribution. You can nominate an interesting blog article you've read somewhere or one you've wrote yourself.

Carnival Edition August: Mother Issues

Welcome to the August 5, 2009 edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse. This edition explores MOTHER ISSUES as they emerge in the context of sexual abuse. There has been an exciting variety of blog posts submitted. As always, thank you to those who have taken the time to submit a post.

KathyBroady LCSW presents Mothers and Mother’s Day for Trauma Survivors « Discussing Dissociation posted at Discussing Dissociation, saying, for dissociative trauma survivors, Mother’s Day is often a painful time. For survivors with dissociative identity disorder, mother issues are usually complex and difficult to sort out. Momma-trauma comes in a variety of forms. For some survivors, their mothers were simply not there to protect them from the violent abuse of the father or other sadistic family members. These mothers were away at work, or away at the hospital, or too ill to tend properly to their children, or divorced from the fathers and living in separate homes, etc. Many of these mothers love their kids dearly, but still were unable to protect their children from trauma and abuse.


KathyBroady LCSW presents Protective Mothers that Fight for their Children « Discussing Dissociation posted at Discussing Dissociation, saying, This blog article is a tribute to the mothers out there in the world that have spent huge chunks of their lives fighting for the safety / healing of their children. These women are incredible spirits and are an inspiration to us all. I know mothers who have absolutely gone the distance for their children. These women don’t get thanked often, but I do want to let them know that they are appreciated, recognized and deeply valued.


Trish Kinney presents The Dream posted at Trish Kinney, saying, "My blog is a companion to my book, Silver Platter Girl, a memoir about being raised in a sexually abusive environment and eventually "getting sick to get well". It explores the adult ramifications of childhood sexual abuse, the benefits of knowing and telling your own story, and the profound connection between abuse/trauma and physical illness. I am starting a national PR campaign in mid-July with my book and intend to open a dialogue about truth and healing and the physical effects of abuse and trauma. Dr Bernie Siegel (Love, Medicine and Miracles) was my mentor and taught me to love myself through my highly symbolic abuse induced cancer experience. We have the ability to heal within ourselves. My book tells how I did it. While each of our stories is unique, we all share a common bond. So sharing is what I have done in my book and I left nothing out. Let's all stand up for ourselves individually and collectively. Trish Kinney"


Kellen Von Houser presents Self Care posted at Kellevision, saying, "Self Care ideas for survivors of abuse or trauma." Although the topic this months has been 'mothers' I really liked Kellen's blogpost about self-care. It's simple, it's to the point, and very worthwhile reading. :)

Utah Mother Breaks Silence About Her Son's Sexual Abuse By Female Teacher posted at Priest Abuse and Clergy Sexual Abuse Information, saying, "After years of silence, a Utah mother said its time to talk about the pain her entire family still endures after her 16-year-old son was sexually abused by a high school teacher in the Salt Lake Valley. The crime happened almost four years ago and her son is now 20-years-old, but she said he still suffers. He is not the same son. I feel like IThT grieve my son every day ".

The Sexual Abuse of a Liar posted at New Jersey Moms Blog saying, "It will never happen to my child! That is one of those lines that I hate hearing from a mother- a line that is filled with ignorance, denial and just plain stupidity. Sexual abuse can happen to any child anywhere, anytime by anyone. How do I know?  I am one of those children, not only was I abused but when I confronted my family as an adult about it - I was called a liar".

Everyday Heroes: Mom Stands up for Disabled Daughter posted at Powerupmama saying, "The good news is that there are special parents like the one in this story who hear the most horrendous stories from their children and find within themselves the courage to believe and support them. Look at the web of lies this criminal spun around this child. How he won the trust of her family and tried to use her cognitive difficulties against her. And look how this family worked together to stop the abuse and restore a sense of self-respect and trust to this girl.V. and family, we salute you. May you continue to see the fruits of your courage in the face of deception".

Male Sexual Abuse Victims of Female Perpetrators posted at Silly Thoughts saying, "The reality that boys are sexually abused by women is not widely accepted. Some people view it as an impossible act - that a male can’t be sexually assaulted by a female - and others view it as sexually titillating. The existence of female perpetrators and male victims confronts many of our most firmly held beliefs about women, men, sexuality, power, and sexual assault. It challenges our very notions about what sex is".

Moms Need Support: Child Sexual Abuse Hits Home posted at Abuse-Recovery.Suite101 saying, "More often than not, mothers of children who have disclosed sexual abuse have family members and friends ask: “How could you have not seen changes in your child?” These words act as a weapon and crush an already fragile emotional state".

What to do if your child tells you they have been sexually abused posted at Imaginif saying, "Child sexual assault is against the law. Don’t keep it to yourself. First, believe your child and then TELL someone in a position to help you. Telling about child sexual abuse helps to end the prevalence figure of one in three. Child sexual abuse WILL CONTINUE if we don’t all take responsibility and tell someone when it has occurred. Tell the school principal, your local doctor, the police, a friend, the local Welfare agency".

Can I trade My Mother? posted at Inside Voices saying, "I’m having a difficult moment.  The day has been really rough. This is really the most present day I’ve had since last Tuesday and right now I’m trying to just find that little hiding niche right now because I’m just so exhausted from today.  The last few minutes have been really difficult due to mom issues".

The Ties That Bind posted at Secret Shadows saying, "All of us have parents. If we are lucky we are born to parents who love us and cherish us. If we’re lucky, we grow up being supported and challenged, cuddled and nudged, cared for and loved. If we’re lucky, we experience unconditional acceptance, and though we will inevitably disappoint and push our parents, we are still special and loved in their eyes.

A Systematic Breaking Of The Spirit posted at Survivors Can Thrive saying, "I'm going through the "Realization Stage"--Yeah, I get it. This happened to me. And it really felt that bad.--on several counts. One is that it was very systematic, my parents' way of breaking my spirit. And, although I was not abused by members of a cult, my parents did utilize some brain washing, mind control-type techniques".
  

That concludes this edition. I hope you found something worthwhile reading in the above contributions. Maybe you feel encouraged to start your own blog and become part of the growing number of people who suffered sexual abuse and are no longer willing to keep the shroud of silence over the shameful acts of their abuser(s).

The next edition - deadline is the 5th of September - is dedicated to the topic of ANGER.
Submit your blog article to the next edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse
using our carnival submission form.

Carnival July 2009, The Body

Welcome to the July 5, 2009 edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse. This edition explores the impact sexual abuse has on the body and on people's body image. There has been an exciting variety of blog posts submitted. As always, thank you to those who have taken the time to submit a post. How sexual abuse impacts on the body seems to be one of the issues that people don't pay a lot of attention to. I wonder, could it be the generally distorted relationship people have with their body? Be it as it may, I trust that you will find interesting information in this edition. For the full-length posts click on each title-link. I'd love to hear what you think!

Our Little Secret posted at The Viewspaper » The Viewspaper. saying: The first time it happened, she was rooted in her place, unable to move, shocked into submission. She didn’t protest, by words or gestures. She just stared into the ground, unseeing. He was saying something to her but she couldn’t comprehend his words. She didn’t know what to do. So she just stayed there.

The Impact of Trauma; Dr. Kathleen Young: Treating Trauma in Chicago posted at Dr. Kathleen Young: Treating Trauma in Chicago. saying: Now I’d like to elaborate on it’s impact and why you might want to seek therapy for help in the aftermath of traumatic experiences. How does it impact a person and what can be done about it? Trauma impacts many and has further reaching consequences than is usually understood.

The Body Pays The Price posted at Multiple Voices, saying: Leonie was very tired. Her shoulders have dropped and her head had fallen forward resting on her chest. Unable to muster the strength needed for balancing her head upright on her fatigued body, Leonie feels the floor opening and becoming a vortex inviting her into the never ending downwards spiral. She hears a seductive whisper beckoning her to succumb, “Let go, let go. You have fought long enough. You can rest now!”

DID and the Body: Driving a Courtesy Car posted at Multiple Voices, saying: Whenever I bring my car to the garage for service I have to ‘play it right’ to get a courtesy car. I can’t just go and be sure to have one given to me. The usual answer is “…sorry madam, there are no cars left.” I have to put myself into the shoes of the car people to get a courtesy car. For example, I walk around their cars for sale and let drop in passing that I am starting to look for a new car. I usually also mention that “…this is my third car I bought from you people”. More often than not, that’ll get me a courtesy car.

Body Image Acceptance: Operation Beautiful, posted at Dr. Kathleen Young: Treating Trauma in Chicago, saying: Every now and then I stumble upon a resource or an idea so great I cannot wait to share it with others. Operation Beautiful is such an idea. The mission: Post encouraging notes in public places for other women to find. Negative body messages are everywhere. We are so inundated that many internalize and have a constant body critique running in their heads.

The Impact of Abuse, posted at Multiple Voices, saying: The trauma of sexual abuse is most harmful to a person’s self-development because it signifies the severing of intersubjective connections with caring others. Honneth (1995b, p. 132) understands sexual abuse as the withholding of recognition through love that deprives a person of “…The successful integration of physical and emotional qualities [which are] subsequently broken up from the outside, thus lastingly destroying the most fundamental form of practical relations-to-self, namely, one’s underlying trust in oneself”.

My body belongs to me: Review posted at Momma's Gone Over the Wall, saying: Some of you may know that I went to college for Social Work. In order to complete my degree, I chose to do my internship at a local rape crisis/sexual assault center. Part of my work included counseling, going along to medical appointments, and offering support in court. Over and over, I found myself working with children, and it broke my heart. Here I was, a mom, seeing the hurt on these little kids' faces. It terrified me.

Stacey's Story: posted at Survivor Moms Speak Out, saying: While practicing full-time as a community-based midwife, I had the opportunity to work with many women who were survivors, either of childhood sexual trauma, rape, or both. The experience of being their midwife, and witnessing their challenges and triumphs encouraged me to learn more about the effects of trauma on the body, and on the experience of childbearing specifically.

Child Abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime, posted at Moody Monica, saying:There are many forms of abuse…but the result is the same- serious physical or emotional harm. Physical or sexual abuse may be the most striking types of abuse…since they often unfortunately leave physical evidence behind.

Stress Can Be Bad For Your Body, posted at Gudrun Frerichs.Com saying: Chronic stress can lead to a number of behavioural changes and physical health problems. When a person is subjected to stress the body responds with activating the neuro-hormone ‘Corticotrophin Releasing Factor’ (CRF). In the case of chronic stress this release is increasing in length and volume in areas of the brain associated with fear and emotion.

What's the big, fat deal about body image? posted at Blogging Therapy, saying: When you look at your body in the mirror, two things occur. First, you see the body’s physical structure; its size, shape, texture, curves, and nuances – great and small. Then comes the part that’s hard to control – the thoughts and comments that swirl about our brains concerning the body in that mirror. Oh man, can those cause trouble! It’s usually at this point when most of us look at our bodies and berate ourselves for not having that flat stomach, or shapely thighs and buttocks, or taut breasts and biceps that many of us crave.

Prevent Your Child From Being Sexually Abused posted at No More Hurt, saying: A primary goal in the prevention of sexual abuse is educating children about educating children about personal safety. Many parents feel uncomfortable discussing sexual abuse with their children. That’s normal. But by talking to your children about personal safety and private parts, the issue of sexual abuse becomes less threatening.

Body Memories: The Body Remembering posted at Discussing Dissociation, saying: In the television show “One Life To Live” — Bess tried to rescue Jessica one more time by taking baby Chloe and going on the run. Their secret had gotten out — baby Chloe belonged to someone else and the dear little one was not Jessica’s baby at all. Tess was angry with Bess for trying this last stunt. Every time Bess looked in the mirror, she would see Tess’s angry face making comments to her. Tess had plenty to say — she was not at all impressed with Bess.

Change Your Mood With Your Body posted at Gudrun Frerichs.Com, saying: One thing is sure there are a whole lot of depressed people in this world. You can easily spot them when you observe people while sitting at the beach, waiting for the next bus, or sipping a wonderfully brewed Moccacino. They usually are walking hesitantly rather than striding confidently, avoiding looking at people, slouching with their upper body, having an earnest face or frown, and staring at the ground. The body expresses the person’s inner state and, equally, perpetuating it.

That concludes this edition. While you are on the blog-carnival homepage, have a look through earlier editions. The August edition will explore how survivors deal with/ feel about their Mothers. I am looking forward to your contributions

Submit your blog article to the next edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Carnival June 2009: Self Harm

Welcome to the June 2009 edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse. This edition was dedicated to exploring Self-Harm. Some of the contributions are directly about self-harm, others are about coping skills to help people not to harm themselves. As always, a special THANK YOU to all readers for their contributions. I trust you will have an interesting read and I am looking forward reading your feedback if you have any!

Listening to your inner child posted at Rabbit Write, saying: Consciously being gentle with yourself is essential in negating some of that harsh backlash that often happens after self work or achievement. One of the most effective methods I have learned to help foster a sense of empathy and delicacy towards the self is to carry and cradle a beloved stuffed animal. That action of holding something softly in your arms creates a sense of nurturing, caring and compassion that then easily transfers to yourself.

Suicidal Feelings posted at Befrienders Worldwide, saying We are born with the ability to take our own lives. Each year a million people make that choice. Even in societies where suicide is illegal or taboo, people still kill themselves. For many people who feel suicidal, there seems to be no other way out. Death describes their world at that moment and the strength of their suicidal feelings should not be under-estimated - they are real and powerful and immediate. There are no magic cures.

Self-harm (Self-Injury) posted at Befrienders Worldwide, saying People harm themselves in many ways, including cutting or burning, pulling out hair, hitting their bodies against something, drinking heavily or taking excessive amounts of drugs which can lead to an overdose.

There are many reasons why people self harm and the meaning for each person is unique but it is very often a way of dealing with very difficult thoughts and feelings and is often kept secret.

Self-harm and your relationships posted at TheSite.Org, saying Self-harm can be difficult for friends, family and even professionals to accept. TheSite.org looks at how relationships with people in your life might be affected and gives you suggestions for dealing with it.

Sexual Assault Awareness posted at Let's Talk about Race. saying When my intern first suggested I write a post in April about this being Sexual Abuse Awareness Month, I thought, “Yeah, I can do that.” I started the research and found information and statistics. But nothing was clicking in my head to write about. Then I started thinking about my own childhood and victimization.

Trapped Within my Body posted at Survivor's Revolution, saying I have never felt like my body was mine. For the majority of my life it really wasn't. It was just something I put up with while other people did as they pleased. Its no surprise that when things really got out of control, I started cutting myself.

Letters to My Therapist (2007/2008) posted at Secret Shadows, saying, "This is a series of posts consisting of emails sent to my therapist during my recovery from sexual abuse. The posts are listed in chronological order and cover many topics that present themselves during the course of therapy."

Letters to My Therapist (2009) « Secret Shadows posted at Secret Shadows, saying, "This post contains several entries consisting of email correspondences to my therapist during my treatment from sexual abuse. These are NOT posted in chronological order. These are posted in reverse. To read in chronological order, scroll to read the last one first. The posts reflect a variety of topics relevant to recovery from sexual abuse."

Art Therapy posted at Secret Shadows, saying, "Art Therapy has been very helpful to me during my recovery from sexual abuse. Art was my voice when I couldn't find it. This link will take you to all my posts listed under the category "Art Therapy"."

Bloom Where You're Planted posted at Secret Shadows. saying t is not what happens to us that maps out our life. It’s not the cards we’re dealt. Instead, it’s what we do with that that creates our life. It’s how we choose to play those cards that matters most. What happens to us, happens to us. What we choose to do with that, makes us who we are.

25 Ways to Avoid Self-Injury and Prevent Self-Harm « Discussing Dissociation posted at Discussing Dissociation, saying, "Thanks heaps for including my first submission to your April blog carnival -- I appreciate that! I am including an article for the Self-Harm category. This list of helpful ideas was compiled as a combined effort from a group of survivors who struggle with self-harm. I encourage survivors to try as many things from the list as they need to, one after another, until they can reach a place of safety. Thanks again, Kathy Broady (aka Kathy_B_from_AC on twitter)"

25 More Ways to Avoid Self-Injury and Prevent Self-Harm « Discussing Dissociation posted at Discussing Dissociation, saying, "Hi, it's Kathy Broady again. This is the second article also related to self-harm. It is actually a continuation of the first article I just submitted to you. I don't know if you will / can accept two articles, but they were both created from the same group of survivors who struggled with self-harm. There are no repeats of ideas. Each list of 25 is unique to the other. Thanks for your consideration of these articles, Kathy (aka Kathy_B_from_AC on twitter)"

100+ Ways to Spring Clean Your Mind and Body posted at Surgical Technician Schools. saying meditation is a mental discipline in which the individual uses simple mental exercises to enter a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Anyone looking to cleanse their mind would do well to follow one or more of the meditation practices listed below.

That concludes this edition. The next edition is dedicated to exploring SEXUAL ABUSE AND THE BODY. Submit your blog article to the next edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Carnival Dec08/Jan 09: Husbands, Partners, Lovers

Welcome to the January 20, 2009 edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse.This edition was dedicated to exploring issues that arise for survivors in their relationships, with husbands, partners, or lovers. I would like to thank all readers who posted so generously. Again the contributions are diverse and interesting. I am looking forward reading your feedback if you have any!

Relationships

My True Self: Boundaries vs. Scaffolding posted at My True Self. Have you ever feared that setting boundaries keeps you from connecting with others? This blog post looks at the purpose of boundaries in relationships and suggests that maybe scaffolding is a better term to use. Check it out!

Co and counter dependency posted at imaginif. Megan Bayliss explains in detail the terms co-dependency and counter dependency and talks about the need to have your adult relationships 'sorted' to be a good role model for your children.

Husbands

Christmas Blessings posted at Here and Now ~*~ 4 Angel~*~. Husbands and partners often have to stand in the side-lines of a survivors recovery, yet in many cases they play an important part of providing a safe container in which recovery can take place. This post acknowledges the important role they have!

It's Complicated.......... posted at My Clouds, My Storms and Multiple Personality Disorder. describing the difficulty of feeling deeply for your husband while other parts feel rather indifferent towards him.

Internet Support: A Letter to My Therapist posted at Secret Shadows. saying "It’s just hard for him to understand why I would want to talk to someone else. But it’s priceless when you can tell someone something and they can respond, “Me, too.”, or they can say, “I understand”, and they really do. You understand?" - Finding a balance between support from your husband, groups, and therapist

#7 Playing with a Full Deck posted at Blast from the Past. Barbara Whittaker describes relating to others as playing with two decks of cards. She shows how the deck of cards from childhood with beliefs and values contaminated by abuse create difficulties in her life now.

Partners

Boundaries posted at recoveryvehicle.us. This post is looking at boundaries from another angel. - " What you can do is listen without trying to fix or solve problems. You can hug and cry together. You can look for your own answers. Or not. … It is extremely difficult to simply let these things “be”. - "

'R'elationship posted at Crackers & Juice Boxes. This blog post shows the struggles and joys of starting a new relationships. How to manage intimate relationships while you are still recovering from sexual abuse - and how to deal with a therapist who thinks its the wrong thing to do!

The Manual posted at Jeff Vineburgh. This post offers really interesting and good information for partners of survivors. It's truly worth reading!

Misc

RELAPSE: OOPS!! posted at While On Life's Journey....., saying, "It is stated that there are approximately 11 phases leading to addiction relapse. MAx Fabry shares these phases and her insight."

The Danger In Criminal Profiling Alleged Rape Victims posted at abyss2hope: A rape survivor's zigzag journey into the open, saying, "Important information for those who are considering reporting their abuse." Marcella Chester clarifies the issues rape victims may encounter when they are giving evidence. PLEASE READ THIS if you consider reporting being abused.

Your role to prevent child molestation! posted at dratiffarid. This blog post not only demonstrates the importance of reporting child sexual abuse but also urges parents to takes preventative measures by talking to their child / children about being safe.

Afterthought

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse using our carnival submission form. I have changed the order of the topics - the February edition (publishing date 28 February 2009 - send in your contributions by 25 February 2009) will deal with the difficult issue of shame.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: recovery from childhood sexual abuse, blog carnival.

Carnival October 2008: What helped - what didn't

Welcome to the October 31, 2008 edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse. Inspite the fact that the carnival site was frequently off line this month there have been some brilliant submissions for the reader to enjoy!

What I Learned at Timberlawn posted at Secret Shadows. This blog post describes the experiences of attending an intensive therapy program at Timberlawn hospital. The reader learns about the struggle as well as the benefits of the writer's stay.

Self Injury: The Misery, Hurt, and Confusion Behind the Pain posted at Secret Shadows. Self injury is openly discusses in this personal record that exlores self injury as of re-encactment of the abuse but also as a form of emotion regulation.

Lessons learned in a therapuetic relationship gone wrong posted at Emily First Girl: .............DID ..........Multiplicity. Often clients don't know what to expect when starting therapy and what questions to ask. This post benefits from the clear vision of hind sight and gives suggestions of what to asks the therapist before starting therapy.

How to Integrate Animal Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Alter Parts | eHow.com posted at FaithAllen. It is not unusual for person's diagnosed with DID have alter parts that are animals. This post discusses the purpose of these parts and makes suggestions of how integrtion of these parts could take place.

DID And The Body: Driving A Courtesy Car posted at Multiple Voices. By using the metaphor of 'driving a courtesy car' this blog post discusses the relationship many multiples (sexual abuse survivors diagnosed with DID) have with their body.

Deserved Rape? posted at abyss2hope: A rape survivor's zigzag journey into the open. We have here a thorough exploration of who is responsible for rape. Is there such a thing as deserved rape? Don't miss this read!

artconstellation: UNABLE TO WAIT UNTIL I GET HOME I STOP AT THE LIBRARY SO THAT I MAY PURGE ONTO MY BLOG. posted at artconstellation. How to deal with the memories of sexual abuse that have surfaced after a therapy session? This post may not have answers but describes the struggle and the decision to grow stronger and move on.

Losing Time posted at Here and Now ~*~ 4 Angel~*~. It's often hard for people to understand the experiences of switching in the life of multiples. This blog post give a moving description of 'experiencing losing time'.

On Giving Up and Getting Up posted at Survivors Can Thrive!. This blog post describes the journey from wanting to give up to making the decision to get up continue growing and healing.

Holly Ord presents Hounddog posted at Healing Yourself Heals the World, saying, "Hounddog is a movie that exudes hope and infuses survivors with a resonating voice that says 'I understand, it isn't your fault, now take back what is yours.'"

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of recovery from childhood sexual abuse using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: recovery from childhood sexual abuse, blog carnival.