Being human, we can’t avoid painful experiences. Depending on the severity, pain has the ability to cripple our confidence and self-perception. But herein, as with most everything, we are in a place of choice. 

In my work with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (sacred work, indeed), I often refer to Complex PTSD - "...most often associated with extended periods of physical and/or sexual abuse in childhood [as well as] ongoing verbal and emotional abuse." (Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving. Pete Walker)