Adverse childhood experiences, including growing up in unhealthy family environments, affects one’s internal emotional experiences and sense of self.Common problems that bring many people to therapy are loneliness, conflict or dissatisfaction in family or other interpersonal relationships, difficulties in trusting oneself and others, or feelings of anger, sadness, confusion, hopelessness, self-alienation, depression, anxiety and despair.
These painful feelings and self experiences can show up and affect every aspect of one’s life: home, school, work, and social encounters. Many people present difficulties maintaining healthy boundaries. A lack of internal integration can leave one feeling unstable, shaky, overwhelmed, and confused by internal self experiences that feel complicated and contradictory. It is not unusual for people to suffer from pervasive insecurities, low self- esteem, self blame, or even self-loathing.