Trauma doesn’t just wound; it writes stories. This article explores how chronic betrayal during incest shapes internal working models and schemas (beliefs about self, others, and the world) and how we can rewrite them.
Mental Models, Schemas, & Identity
Understanding “Objectlessness” in Incest Survivors
Object Relations Theory & The Hollow Spaces Inside Us When we grow up, the people who raise us become mirrors, our first reflections of love, safety, and belonging. They are our “objects,” as Object Relations Theory calls them, not in the cold, inanimate sense of the word, but as emotional anchors that help us form our sense of self and others. For most children, these relationships are the scaffolding of security. But for survivors of incest, those scaffolds were built on betrayal. The very people meant to nurture us were also the ones who hurt us in the most intimately personal way….
Why Self-Love Can Be Difficult for Incest Survivors
When love once meant pain, learning to love yourself becomes an act of rebellion and rebirth.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. I am a trauma survivor. If you need help, please seek the services of a licensed professional (see my Resources Page for suggestions). The contents of this website are for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Information on this page might not be accurate or up-to-date. Accordingly, this page should not be used as a diagnosis of any medical illness, mental or physical. This page is also not a substitute for professional counseling, therapy, or any other type of medical advice. Some topics discussed on this website could be upsetting. If you are triggered by this website’s content you should seek the services of a trained and licensed professional.