Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories Healing the Wounds of Sexual and Spiritual Abuse
Aug 27, 2023
Shelly Winemiller, a trauma therapist and survivor of clergy sexual abuse, shares her powerful story of reclaiming her body and spirit. Topics include the struggles of growing up in a small city and experiencing sexual abuse, the journey of therapy from medication to healing, sharing with the church, healing from spiritual trauma and abuse, a surprising outing to combat nightmares, healing through breaking and singing, and the power of love and connection in healing from abuse.
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Childhood Abuse
- Shelly, youngest of 13, was raised Catholic in rural Wisconsin.
- The priest, a close family friend, began abusing her at four.
Priest's Access
- The priest was deeply ingrained in Shelly's family's life.
- He had constant access to her, given his position and family ties.
Family Unaware
- Shelly's family remained unaware of the abuse.
- At four, she displayed signs like anxiety, hair pulling, and bathroom avoidance, but a doctor misattributed them to loneliness.