Are you tired of struggling with shame and guilt related to your past sexual trauma or abuse? Do you often feel alone? Or, have difficulty understanding how the sexual abuse you experienced has affected you? Is it hard to process the feelings and beliefs associated with your past trauma? If this sounds familiar to you, group therapy might 

Often, when we experience sexual abuse it is very difficult to begin therapy. But, therapy is what allows us to go through the healing process. In some cases, we have carried our stories of abuse for so long. It seems impossible that anyone could have experienced the same level of pain. Let alone the shame, disappointment, or disgust that we have. The secrets we carry often make us feel humiliated and dishonored. We carry it in our bodies, verbal expressions, relationships. It is even part of parenting, our social relationships, and our careers. In some of our experiences, our trauma communication is second nature. Thus, we have no idea size of a disturbance it is causing in our relationships and lives.

A sexual abuse support group can give you a chance to share your experience with others who have survived sexual assault or abuse. There is more power than you know in connecting with other survivors. This connection can often provide a feeling of no longer being alone. Survivors may fear that they will experience increased anxiety in a group. But, it is the exact opposite. Group therapy sessions have shown to dramatically reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In fact, women who attend group therapy sessions often show improvement in self-esteem and lower levels of shame. They also showed less guilt than those who do not take part in group therapy.

In some cases, survivors may have subconscious resistance to individual therapy. This is due to the perceived power of the therapist. As a result, they may resist or even fear the therapeutic environment. The power of the peer group's connections, sharing, and growing together can often reduce those fears. Everyone has a different reason for seeking treatment. Whether that be through individual or group therapy.

Reasons for Beginning Group Therapy include:

• Curious about people dealing with similar traumatic experiences 
• Want the experience of telling your story to people who will offer you support. 
• Desire to connect with people with similar experiences due to the isolating impact of carrying your story. 
• Want to know what it is like to have a safe support system. 
• Want to learn how to discuss difficult topics and experiences with people other than friends and family 
• You desire for someone to listen to you and see you. 

My Approach to Group Therapy in Madison, AL

As a sexual trauma therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I have seen how devastating trauma can be. In fact, I know you have likely done everything you can to pretend it never happened. Or simply tried to escape the thoughts, memories, or flashbacks in whatever way you can. I have helped many clients who have struggled with the same symptoms and I am confident I can help you also.

In group therapy, I work from a strengths-based approach. Through this, the clients and peer groups gain a sense of purpose and contentment. I create a safe environment that challenges group members to realize the underlying strengths that have allowed them to survive their traumatic experiences. In meeting this challenge, they can gain a greater view of themselves. And how they have dealt with and deal with life circumstances. This builds on their inner strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.

You do not have to live with the shame, isolation, and stigmatization that comes with sexual trauma. This sexual abuse support group can help you gain a sense of wholeness, freedom, self-actualization, and identity. As a result, you may realize your possibilities and potentialities. And in addition, experience fulfillment in a way you have never known.

You don’t have to deal with your trauma all on your own. Group therapy can help you work through past sexual trauma. At my Madison, AL-based therapy practice, I and others can help you find support. So, if you're ready to start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:

1. Contact Journey to New Beginnings 
2. Meet with a caring therapist 
3. Start working through your trauma   

Other Counseling Services at Journey to New Beginnings

Group therapy isn’t the only service offered at my Madison, Al-based counseling practice. Other services Journey to New Beginnings provides include intimacy counseling, adolescent and family therapy, sexual abuse therapy, women’s therapy, clinical supervision, and online therapy.