Several kinds of experiences can lead to the "Victim" becoming a companion to someone for many years, or even decades. This can occur during almost any stage of a person's life.

1. Much more intense victimization than the normal progression through teen years. Examples can be physical or emotional trauma, incest, rape, or being the victim of a violent crime. Serious health challenges can also cause someone to become frozen into the "Victim". In these instances, the person is literally a Victim, and with such deep wounds it can be very hard to overcome the Victim. Most people with these kinds of events in their history will need a lot of help along the way.

2. Having poor role models for healthy adult-hood. This happens frequently in dysfunctional families where there is addiction, violence, co-dependence, etc. The young person does not have the opportunity to observe functional adults on a regular basis.

3. Lack of healthy self-esteem. It is difficult to imagine someone with strong self-esteem becoming a victim. It is one of the main antidotes to falling into a cycle of Victim thinking when disaster strikes in one's life. On the other hand, someone with low self-esteem may feel victimized by insignificant and impersonal events, causing repeated Victim experiences until they permanently take on the personality of a victim.

The Ethics and Archetypes Home Study CE Course for massage therapists provides much information on dealing with the Victim client.

Stop in again in a few days for more on the Victim!

Tags: Victim