Overcoming Child Abuse

Reflections on recovery.

Friends
Inhumane Treatment of Children at Our Nation's Border

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on June 28, 2019

Has news of traumatized children upset you, made you want to help them, yet at the same time left you feeling powerless to do anything about it? Consider these suggestions.

Has news of traumatized children upset you, made you want to help them, yet at the same time left you feeling powerless to do anything about it? Consider these suggestions.

Friends
The Shock We Share

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on February 18, 2018

We are all affected by this week's shocking news about another school shooting. Here are suggestions about how we can engage in compassionate witnessing.

We are all affected by this week's shocking news about another school shooting. Here are suggestions about how we can engage in compassionate witnessing.

Sexual Abuse
Just Get Over it and Move On!

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on February 10, 2016

Are you a survivor of childhood sexual abuse or in a relationship with someone who is? Why are sentences like "Just get over it" the wrong thing to say?

Are you a survivor of childhood sexual abuse or in a relationship with someone who is? Why are sentences like "Just get over it" the wrong thing to say?

Career
The Potty-Mouthed Princesses Videos

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on December 8, 2014

Apparently the "Potty-Mouthed Princesses F-Bombs for Feminism" videos have received a million-and-a -half hits on the internet, and are causing quite a stir. Here's how one family therapist who is also a mother and grandmother of girls feels about them.

Apparently the "Potty-Mouthed Princesses F-Bombs for Feminism" videos have received a million-and-a -half hits on the internet, and are causing quite a stir. Here's how one family therapist who is also a mother and grandmother of girls feels about them.

Sex
Bill Cosby, UVA, Penn State, Catholic Clergy, and Beyond

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on November 25, 2014

We have been deluged with news reports about sexual assault allegations regarding Bill Cosby this week, and at the same time reports of the mishandling of brutal rape at UVA have been emerging. RAINN reports a 50% increase in calls to its sexual assault hotline as a result of these topics in the media. How can all of this help survivors of childhood sexual abuse?

We have been deluged with news reports about sexual assault allegations regarding Bill Cosby this week, and at the same time reports of the mishandling of brutal rape at UVA have been emerging. RAINN reports a 50% increase in calls to its sexual assault hotline as a result of these topics in the media. How can all of this help survivors of childhood sexual abuse?

Relationships
Build a Better Family Than the Abusive One You Grew Up In

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on August 18, 2014

Despite their determination to never treat their own children the way they were treated, one out of three adults who were abused as children will grow up to abuse their own. What factors help the others to break the cycle of abuse and raise children in a healthy home environment?

Despite their determination to never treat their own children the way they were treated, one out of three adults who were abused as children will grow up to abuse their own. What factors help the others to break the cycle of abuse and raise children in a healthy home environment?

Sex
Are There Ever Good Reasons Not to Tell?

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on June 12, 2014

Need to talk about your experience of having been sexually abused? What qualities do you need in a personal relationship in order to be able to trust a person with your secret?

Need to talk about your experience of having been sexually abused? What qualities do you need in a personal relationship in order to be able to trust a person with your secret?

Sexual Abuse
Childhood Sexual Abuse: To Tell or Not to Tell?

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on May 21, 2014

Though children who are sexually abused are most often told that they must never tell, telling is an important part of healing. Here are 10 reasons why telling is transformative.

Though children who are sexually abused are most often told that they must never tell, telling is an important part of healing. Here are 10 reasons why telling is transformative.

Relationships
Homeland Security for Kids

Catherine McCall MS, LMFT on April 14, 2014

There are many kinds of terrorists around the world, but the abused child is often bound by the moods and behavior of a predator at home, from whom there is no escape. It takes a community to rescue and to protect a child. Here are 12 community projects designed to intervene, to promote awareness, to touch the heart, and to give hope. Let them inspire you toward action.

There are many kinds of terrorists around the world, but the abused child is often bound by the moods and behavior of a predator at home, from whom there is no escape. It takes a community to rescue and to protect a child. Here are 12 community projects designed to intervene, to promote awareness, to touch the heart, and to give hope. Let them inspire you toward action.

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Magazine
November 2025 magazine cover
November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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