In this conversation the author, Mark Stibbe shares his profound journey from a challenging early life marked by adoption and separation to his experiences in boarding school, where he faced emotional and physical challenges. He discusses the impact of shame and attachment issues stemming from his childhood, the complexities of relationships, and the vulnerability that led to experiences of abuse. Mark reflects on his disillusionment with organized religion and the transformative power of writing as a therapeutic tool in his healing process. His story is one of resilience, the search for love, and the quest for understanding and forgiveness.

https://www.markstibbe.com/

Chapters

00:00Mark Stibbe's Early Life and Adoption Journey

03:05The Impact of Shame and Attachment Issues

06:17Boarding School Experience and Second Orphaning

08:59The Role of Pets in Childhood Attachment

11:48Resilience and the Absence of Unconditional Love

14:35Vulnerability to Abuse and the Complexity of Relationships

17:33The Effects of Sexual Abuse and Guilt

20:51Navigating the Aftermath of Abuse

23:44The Need for Healing and Understanding

33:40Understanding Guilt and Isolation in Abuse

37:31The Impact of Misbeliefs and Myths on Sexuality

40:42The Role of Family Secrets in Healing

51:06Faith and Spirituality: A Personal Journey

58:08The Hypocrisy of Religious Figures and Abuse

01:02:35The Therapeutic Power of Writing and Storytelling