Summary

Dr. John shares his personal experience of repressed memories and blocked memories of sexual abuse. He discusses the complexity of the brain and how traumatic experiences can get locked in the body. He emphasizes the importance of trusting the healing process and seeking therapy. Dr. John also highlights the need for parents to be aware of signs of abuse and to believe their children if they disclose abuse. He provides insights into the effects of trauma on the brain and the importance of healing for both children and adults. In this conversation, Dr. John Trentalange and Lisa Davis discuss the importance of therapy for healing from trauma and the effects of sexual abuse. They address the question of whether it is necessary to remember specific traumatic events in order to heal from codependency. They also explore the different levels of abuse and the varying effects it can have on individuals. The conversation touches on the challenges of confronting family members about abuse and the decision to cut off contact with them. They emphasize the need for open and honest communication with children about sexual abuse and the importance of teaching them to protect themselves.
Keywordssexual abuse, repressed memories, blocked memories, healing, therapy, signs of abuse, trauma, brain, therapy, healing, trauma, sexual abuse, codependency, levels of abuse, confronting family, cutting off contact, communication with children, teaching self-protection
Takeaways

• Repressed memories and blocked memories of sexual abuse are real and can be stored in the body.
• Trusting the healing process and seeking therapy are crucial for healing from sexual abuse.
• Parents should be aware of signs of abuse and believe their children if they disclose abuse.
• Trauma can fragment the brain and stunt emotional growth, leading to acting out at the emotional age of the trauma.
• Energy and language can provide insights into a person's experiences and trauma. Therapy is crucial for healing from trauma and the effects of sexual abuse.
• Remembering specific traumatic events is not as important as understanding and addressing the effects of the abuse.
• There are different levels of abuse, and the effects can vary.
• Confronting family members about abuse can be challenging, and cutting off contact may be necessary for personal healing.
• Open and honest communication with children about sexual abuse is essential, and teaching them self-protection is important.

Sound Bites

• "The brain is very complex. And so I'm not going to pretend Lisa or the listener that I'm an expert in this area, but I know enough about the brain."
• "Were you sexually abused, John? And the little kid in me..."
• "Adverse childhood experiences, thank you."
• "Yes, I saw that you are a sensitive person, that you have a lot of love inside of you."
• "It's not the memory that's important, folks. Listen to this very carefully, is that it's the effects."
• "Pay attention to your body, the effects it has on your body."

Chapters00:00Understanding Repressed Memories and Blocked Memories of Sexual Abuse 14:02Trusting the Healing Process and Seeking Therapy 25:14The Effects of Trauma on the Brain 29:03Insights from Energy and Language 40:42The Importance of Therapy for Healing 43:08The Role of Touch and Healthy Sexuality 45:31Different Levels of Abuse and Healing 50:23Teaching Children about Sexual Abuse 01:06:43Protecting Children from Abuse


This podcast provides trauma-informed care strategies, blending self-care tips for managing childhood trauma, abuse, ACEs, anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, emotional regulation, and substance use, with expert advice on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and overall wellness to support your wellbeing and tackle feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and social anxiety.