A Talk with Charles Spencer About Childhood Sexual Abuse

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, I’m speaking with Charles Spencer, who shares his traumatic experiences at a boarding school where he faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Charles discusses the profound impact these experiences had on his life, the complex process of healing, and the importance of speaking out to help others.

Key Points Discussed:

Enduring Abuse: Charles recounts the harrowing abuse he endured during his time at a particularly abusive boarding school, including sexual abuse, and the lasting impact on his psyche.

The Healing Journey: The conversation delves into Charles's extensive journey through therapy, including EMDR, and the role of writing his book as a form of therapy.

Impact of Trauma: Charles reflects on how the trauma influenced his views on trust, relationships, and self-worth, emphasizing the importance of working through past pain for personal growth.

Advocacy for Change: Highlighting the importance of advocating for the protection of children and raising awareness about the long-term effects of abuse, Charles discusses his hope that his story will inspire others to seek help and speak out.

This episode is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, offering hope and solidarity to others who have experienced similar traumas. Charles Spencer's candidness provides valuable insights into the complexities of healing from childhood abuse and underscores the power of vulnerability and truth in overcoming the shadows of the past.

Thank you so much to Riverstone Living Kensington for hosting this important conversation:

[Cw]

This man did not just survive sexual abuse but sadism! As well as deep abandonment. He must a be such a remarkable strong man to be here today and achieving so very much. I really hope he heals and continues sharing his story and his recovery

[anaalvez]

Charles may you continue to heal, and may God bless your strength!!

[sjgriebling]

I am so sorry you were not protected as a child. Sharing this is brave and will help many others

[debfryer]

Absolutely brilliant interview! Thank goodness that someone has the courage to crack open the secret world of the British private school system. This book is going to be a major contribution to the healing of many damaged people. All evil has to be revealed and the light of God poured onto it as a healing balm.

[mamascrazyhouse]

My mother told me when I was a young mother, never take your eyes off your children …..and I never did ………..feel so so sad for Charles Spencer …..as a mother and grandmother, may God Bless him

[qlybhsp]

I have met him in person years ago.
He seemed very grounded and sincere. He tries very hard to keep the legacy of Althorp and his sister, Diana.
Proud of Charles for being vulnerable and strong to share his story. He will help others as he helps himself for sure♥️♥️

[jenniferholden]

The best speech/eulogy I’ve ever heard was the truth he spoke at his sisters funeral. It really brought all the rooks home to roost. Thank you. I’m so sad for the little boy that was made to suffer that depraved behaviour, the psychopaths that dealt this out were also charging phenomenal amounts of cash for the privilege of educating and caring for their children. You couldn’t make this up.

[assi]

Charles you have been so brave to bring your sexual abuse out into the public as a survivor of child sexual abuse fully understand how much strength it takes hopefully by speaking out it has taken a weight off your shoulders and helps your soul to Heal

[TecOneself]

Families are so vulnerable, from high class, to middle class and low class, this happened everywhere.

[jhanes]

As I write this, I am listening to the interview and feeling how right out of a Dickens novel Charles's situation was and it took place in the 20th century !! My heart is breaking for him and all the other victims who didn't have a voice then. I thank Charles for writing his book and hope justice can be done for the many victims.

[rgomoffat]

This poor man has been through so much. These school leaders are so so sick.

[anneamus]

Sadistic adults gravitate to careers where they have authority over the vulnerable. Parents beware. Always question.

[engineoil]

How very brave of Charles Spencer to write about his traumatic experiences, and profoundly healing for anyone else who's suffered at the hands of such psychopathic adult predators. The so-called 'privileged classes' seem to intentionally put their children through these traumas. I feel blessed I come from the peasant classes.

[WendyPhillips-jdlf]

And so brave of you Julia to do this interview when you are so vulnerable and having to deal with your own recent trauma

[Flowerpot]

You see people every day, talk with them, enjoy happy times with them. But you never know what is in the dark recesses of their minds or lives.
There are no words to make any of what someone went through better but when we learn of their dark times we must be compassionate and kind and thank them for their bravery in sharing with you their story.
Who ever would have thought that a child brought up with such priveledge as Charles was could have endured such an unprivileged life.
I hope his soul finds peace 🙏

[i_kissed_a_pixie]

Lovely man and thank you for speaking out. The shame is all on the perpetrators and never the survivors

[creator]

EMDR and tai chi I’ve experienced does work well for trauma recovery. Charles Spencer has courage and empathy.

[cinders]

Diana would be so proud of her brother, exposing his own suffering to help others.

[StMeadMary]

The burning anger in his speech at Diana’s funeral makes more sense after listening to this marvellously brave and compassionate podcast.

[georgina]

I've written these words elsewhere on Youtube but they merit a repeat. Earl Spencer has courage. And I wish him and his family all the best.