Childhood trauma leaves lasting imprints on one’s psyche, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others. For men, societal expectations and norms about strength and emotional restraint can exacerbate these scars, with shame often playing a central, unacknowledged role. One of the most insidious aspects of shame, especially toxic
Why Men Remain Silent About Childhood Abuse
Childhood abuse is a profound trauma that can have lasting effects on an individual’s psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. For men, the experience of abuse is often compounded by societal expectations around masculinity, making it particularly difficult to speak out or seek help. The silence surrounding male childhood abuse is
The Role of Sexualization in Masking Pain
Emotional pain is an inevitable aspect of the human experience, something we all encounter at some point in our lives. As we navigate this pain, we develop coping mechanisms to help us manage and alleviate our suffering. Some of these coping strategies are conscious and intentional, such as reaching out
Childhood Wounds and the Legacy of Shame
There are a wide range of issues that can motivate someone to start therapy. Anxiety and depression, struggles with alcohol and/or substances, relationship challenges, and the fallout of infidelity are common examples. Emotional distress, self-sabotaging behaviors, or a pervasive sense of unease often stem from underlying issues that may not
From Pain to Betrayal: Childhood Trauma and Infidelity
Childhood trauma — sexual, emotional or physical abuse; the death or abandonment of a parent — can have a lasting impact on an individual’s sense of self and emotional wellbeing. Certain traumatic events shake us at our core, negatively impacting the foundation of our self-development. If we don’t deal with