According to the anti-sexual violence organization RAINN, “Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.” We’d like to think these perpetrators are sick strangers, but the vast majority of child sexual abuse and adult sexual violence is committed by someone known to the victim.
Survivors of Sexual Trauma
If you are a member of an oppressed population (e.g., girls/women, queer, BIPOC, immigrants, religious minority, low income, etc.) you have a much higher chance of experiencing sexual violence in your lifetime. I’m here to support you in your journey towards healing.
“It was my fault because I didn’t say anything or try to stop them.”
“If I talk about what happened to me, I won’t be able to handle it.”
“Everyone thinks I have it all together, but inside I’m falling apart.”
“I’m dirty. They ruined me forever.”
If you have experienced sexual trauma these statements might sound familiar. You might feel lonely, numb, angry, weak, broken, tired, confused, hopeless, and ashamed. You want to feel safe. You want to feel loved and loveable, hopeful, joyful, powerful, and whole. You are not alone.
I want you to know you can heal from sexual trauma.
INTRODUCTION
What is Sexual Trauma?
Sexual trauma — including childhood sexual abuse, rape, incest, sexual harassment, and sexual assault — is a uniquely horrific crime. When someone violates your body in this intimate way, it is devastating to your sense of safety, trust, control, and intimacy. You likely haven’t reported it or spoken with anyone about it. Given the way our society and “justice” system treats victims of sexual trauma, it’s amazing anyone speaks up.
As a trauma survivor, you may be experiencing some of the following difficulties:
“Shame cannot survive being spoken. It cannot tolerate having words wrapped around it. What it craves is secrecy, silence, and judgment. If you stay quiet, you stay in a lot of self-judgment.”
Brené Brown
WHAT YOU MAY BE FEELING
Shame Can Be Overwhelming
Another issue you might face is an overwhelming sense of shame which is incredibly powerful and can further inhibit your recovery. Secrecy, silence, and judgment are all very common with sexual trauma and may leave you feeling like you aren’t worthy of getting help or having a happy life. You don’t have to feel this way. When you are ready to begin the brave journey towards healing, together we’ll create a safe space for you to give voice to your story, face your difficulties, and put shame to rest.
I’ve Heard it All & I’m Here to Help
On your journey, there can be profound comfort in knowing that your therapist has been a compassionate ear for many individuals who have faced similar challenges and has likely “heard it all.” Being aware that your therapist is accustomed to these conversations can make sharing your thoughts and experiences a little less scary.
Sexual Trauma Specific Therapy
I practice a form of trauma specific treatment known as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Dr. Patricia Resick conceived CPT in the late 1980s with the goal of addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) specifically for sexual violence survivors. Since then, this method has been extensively studied and proven to be an effective treatment for PTSD for a wide array of traumatic experiences including child abuse, combat, sexual violence, and natural disasters.
What is CPT?
At the core of CPT is a process of examining your thoughts and beliefs you have about your traumatic experience(s) and the world at large, and how they may be affecting your functioning. During this process, you will learn to differentiate between the beliefs that are helpful to you and the ones that are holding you back from healing and growth. You will also be invited to feel any feelings that arise in a safe, supportive space.
Help is on the way
It probably doesn’t feel like you can face this, but I know you can. How do I know? Because I’ve witnessed the courageous healing journeys of so many sexual trauma survivors before you.
Trauma shapes us, but it doesn’t have to define us. If you have questions, would like more information, or are ready to begin, please reach out. I’m here to help.