Help For An Adult Recovering From Child Sexual Abuse

• The healing process begins when we realize that we need help. This is the most important step in healing.
  
  
• Contact a local church for recommendations of where to find a competent counselor. Many of the larger churches offer recovery workshops and provide private counseling. You will want a counselor, who helps you understand forgiveness. One child sexual abuse survivor shared: "Forgiveness frees those of us who have been abused and takes away the power of the abuser. Forgiveness is difficult, but it is possible. Even though I forgave those who hurt me, the memories still remain. It was good that I had a competent person to help me work through these memories."
  
  Many organizations also offer help. Consider contacting Focus On The Family who offers phone counseling and other resources.
  
  
• The main source of help for those who have been abused sexually as a child is God. An adult recovering from sexual abuse says, "God is the one who ultimately loves and cares for us. He is our rock and our shield; He is our peace in times of trouble. Those of us who are adults recovering from child sexual abuse can remember that God can calm the storm of hurt. He can help us realize it is not our fault. Psalm 121:1-2 has been a help to me: 'I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.'"