27th November 2008
I have found in my research that often survivors do not know that their problems are related to experiences of sexual abuse in their past. In fact, in my research six of the ten participants did not link their psychiatric disturbances to their history of ...
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10th November 2008
The journey of recovery from sexual abuse can often be a journey of pain that over time may become hopeful longing and turns towards the end into delight. Even though most survivors understand recovery as a lifelong process, a significant milestone is usu...
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21st October 2008
Just the other day someone made the statement that child sexual abuse is normal because it happens so oft en. Maybe it's only a problem because we (society) make such a big deal out of it.
Well, that was quite a challenge that turned quickly into a he...
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21st October 2008
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 ...
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13th October 2008
People derive a sense of self and identity through interactions with others who give recognition and approval to a person's abilities and accomplishments. How does that work? As children grow up, they are dependant on 'significant others' for forming of a...
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13th October 2008
Self-confidence is one of these terms that are used by many people in many different ways without there being a clear agreement or understanding what exactly it means. In fact, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth are often used interchangeably.
I...
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13th October 2008
Self-Respect is a product of being granted rights like anybody else. Self-respect is understood here as the ability to perceive oneself as a morally responsible individual whose actions are respected by others. Recognition through the granting of rights b...
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13th October 2008
Self-esteem is a product of recognition through solidarity. Let me explain what that means. Within a community of peers people experience the expression of appreciation, acknowledge, valuing, and support as a sign of solidarity. When we are recognised in ...
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13th October 2008
It is well know that only about 7% of communication is expressed in language. 93% of all communication is expressed in body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. That means the better you are able to ‘read' the other person's non-verbal expres...
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05th September 2008
Emotional bonds and attachments are a precondition for human functioning, prospering, and self-development. Humans and all other mammals have inbuilt neuro-physiological structures in the limbic cortex through which they attach to the parent or caregiver...
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05th September 2008
The NZ Herald reported in September 2007 that the New Zealand government spends yearly NZ$30 million over a million prescriptions for antidepressants. Concerns are raised about the high prescription rate that includes antidepressants prescribed to adoles...
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05th September 2008
Since the 1960s it has become increasingly common that people visit a counsellor or therapist to talk about the problems and difficulties that trouble their lives. Beliefs like "...It has to get harder before it gets better" reflect widely accepted wisdom...
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05th September 2008
Moving on from surviving sexual abuse to thriving in life can often be an up-hill battle of epic proportions. People, who have been sexually abused and did not get immediately support, care, and love from their parents, inevitably struggle with developing...
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05th September 2008
Some years ago I watched Oprah as she interviewed a guy who wrote a book that would once and for all explain to women how to be in order for their man/partner to love her forever...I have to admit, I logged in to Amazon and got the book. Why wouldn't you ...
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05th September 2008
Wouldn't it be great if human beings came to this world with well functioning, inbuilt relationship software? Indeed, we do. Everyone has the capability to relate successfully to others. Often that capability is heavily burdened by "stuff" that distorts p...
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Dr. Gudrun Frerichs is a psychotherapist, trainer, and researcher who helps people to grow strong and fulfil their potential and their dreams. Gudrun offers a wide range of programs and services – from individual consultations, to self-development courses and seminars both online and face to face. Gudrun specializes in assisting survivors of sexual abuse to overcome the effects of sexual abuse and achieve recovery. 
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