Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 3251

Tonight's special guest is Russell Stagg from St Johns, New Brunswick, Canada, a child abuse survivor who's now a Licensed Counselling Therapist, a Psychotherapist and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He's written a book about it based his experience and, besides a bit about his life story, he's specifically asked to talk about it, too, 'ONE IN SIX: A Man's Guide to Overcoming Child Sexual Abuse'. Russell says, "I help people with issues such as depression, addiction, or relationship problems. Some of my clients have experienced bullying, domestic violence, or the trauma of leaving an abusive religion. My specialty is trauma, particularly sexual abuse and sexual assault, and I have written on the subject for major psychology journals." He explains, "In working with individuals, I developed my person-centered approach as the Jewish chaplain for the University of Calgary and as the interfaith resident chaplain for the Emergency, Intensive Care, and Burn Units at Calgary Foothills Hospital. It means I do my utmost to experience your situation as if it were my own." This is one of the things that set him apart. "Then I use the techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy to challenge and overcome toxic thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. And if you've been struggling with PTSD or repeated bouts of depression, I may introduce you to the healing techniques of mindfulness. Used with caution, it can be a useful tool." The technique Russell uses with couples is a bit different. "When I work with couples, I focus on the powerful emotions underneath your anger. Sharing and acknowledging those emotions can actually bring you closer, rather than driving you apart."