Can You Hear Me Now? Annie Chats with Dr Thomas Downey~Sexual Abuse

Dr. Thomas Downey is a group facilitator self employed medical practicioner educated at the University of Sydney, practicing in Sydney, Australia.  His main areas of interest (though not limited to) are:

Mild to very well functioning Personality Disorders (especially complex P.T.S.D. a.k.a. Borderline). Fortunately many of my patients don't reach the full D.S.M. criteria, but all are clearly suffering and in great pain. So, yes I do work with patients who self harm however, mainly my working day is full of patients with compulsive disorders and additions e.g. alcohol and other drugs, sex, gambling, exercise, food, work. Issues of sexuality, intimacy and impotency are also common.

Many patients tend not to understand that their addictions are often, if not always, related to convert or overt depression and anxiety. It is often their best attempt to manage and self sooth.

Many of Dr. Downeys patients have difficult stories of sexual, physical, emotional abuse and neglect. Some have no idea why they feel so 'alone' and 'alien' in the world. Most have a history of self sabotaging or feeling inauthentic.

He acknowledges that it is a privilege to bear witness to someone's story and their suffering. 

http://au.linkedin.com/pub/dr-thomas-downey/41/281/768