ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on one of many important aspects of clinical work that fail to fit the traditional medical paradigm of disease and cure. Abuse is one example of human behaviour that brings us face to face with the dark side of human nature, what Carl Jung called 'the Shadow'. Experience in childhood lies on a spectrum, so there is no definitive cut-off point between adequate and abusive or neglectful parenting. When patients disclose abuse it is important to remember that you may be the first person on the planet to hear this. Often disclosure is made to partners, teachers or friends. One-to-one counselling and group therapy by those experienced in helping survivors can be helpful. Continuity of care is crucial, as healing from abuse generally takes years rather than months. Disclosure and healing can cause dramatic personal change, and this can take its toll on relationships.
