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The road to recovery
Even though you might not believe it, it is possible to recover from the impact of child abuse and live the full and rich life you deserve. The road to recovery can be long and tortuous and takes both courage and perseverance. Each journey is unique and yet also shares certain characteristics. These include:
 Acknowledging your pain: giving yourself permission to remember your abuse and to accept the fact that you were abused. Part of this process includes accepting that the abuse affected not only your body but your mind and soul as well.
Finding the motivation and courage to embark on the road to recovery: seeking information from resources, such as this website, joining ASCA or any other organisation or group you feel might help you.
Seeking professional help: finding a therapist or counsellor with whom you feel comfortable – perhaps one who has been recommended by a friend or taken from ASCA’s recommended therapists’ database.
Seeking peer support: sharing your feelings with friends, family members, or a support group - people who will listen to you empathically and support you through the process.
Releasing the emotions suppressed at the time of the abuse: working to discover the emotions you have suppressed and understanding the reasons for them, ie. feeling the pain, sadness, fear, joy and anger and releasing them.
 If you are stuck, eg. in anger, you might need to explore what is making you angry. You might find it valuable to release your anger, as long as you do it in a safe way eg. punching a bag or pillow, screaming in the shower, over the ocean or in the bush, smashing plates etc.
You will also need to grieve for all of the things that were stolen from you when you were abused - your innocence, your childhood, your opinions, your identity, your reputation, your ability to love and trust, your true personality and your feelings of being safe. Allow yourself to cry.
Releasing yourself from the power of your perpetrator: it is important to realise that your perpetrator no longer wields any power over you. You are an adult and you have survived.
Embracing your spirituality: for those who embrace a particular faith, as well as for those whose spiritual beliefs are unique, getting in touch with one’s spirituality can provide extra support and comfort.
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