This encompasses sexual, physical, psychological abuse or neglect. You may have clear memories of your difficult childhood experiences or things you witnessed such as abuse, conflict or domestic violence. You may be unsure or confused about aspects of your early years. You may feel protective, secretive or been asked to hold secrets. You may experience big gaps in your memory related to your past that you have become aware of in adulthood or parenthood. It is common for those that have experienced abuse or traumatic experiences at a young age to carry a sense of guilt, shame, isolation or difference into their adult life. Your therapist will work at your pace and may work from your present backwards. Your therapist is not looking to detect crime or place blame or judgement on you or those around you. They will listen openly and responsively to your experience and feelings.