As children, we do not have a developed sense of self; an ability to discern our being treated badly from our being bad; interpersonal boundaries that can protect us; a physique that can defend us from harm, or a developed sense of morality. In such a state of genuine vulnerability we are then open to…
Category: Shame
Stigma: a patient’s account of toxic parenting
Toxic parenting is the term I use to describe a broad range of poor parenting, childcare, school and community practices that impact upon children in ways that are detrimental to their long-term mental and emotional wellbeing. This is not to suggest that coddling children is a solution either, as per the millennial trend of ‘child…
This Cold Hollow: children born to parents who don’t want them
How did I know that you had left me before I knew the words for empty, lost, bereft? Before my birth scar? Before I witnessed the guillotine of your contempt? Before I could control my bowel, or tie my shoe, or awakened trembling in the night. Before you scoffed at me as I learned to…
Protected: The Vulnerable Self
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Protected: Reactive Abuse: kicking the dog
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Protected: Shame
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
