Childhood sexual abuse, molestation, rape, violation, date rape, groping, unlawful sexual intercourse, ravishment, forced intercourse, and unlawful sexual intercourse are all synonyms used to describe many of our experiences and has had a significant impact on the courses our lives have taken. The crazy thing is, that no matter how many words we work through to make it sound politically correct or socially acceptable, not one of these will erase that traumatic experience or provide any form of vindication.
Trauma can have a devastating impact on a person’s healthy development. However, many of us don’t understand the degree to which survivors of trauma can continue to struggle with the psychological impact of trauma.
The effects of trauma or PTSD can impact survivors of sexual trauma in many ways which include the following:
- Problems forming and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Insomnia, vivid nightmares, and other sleep problems
- Symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders
Survivors of sexual trauma may experience the following symptoms:
- Fear
- Shame
- Guilt
- Dissociation
- Low Self-Esteem
- Aggression
- Immaturity and regression
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Inappropriate sexual behavior
- Sexual promiscuity or refusal
- Withdrawal
- Digestive and gastrointestinal distress
- Sleep disturbance
- Nightmares
- Memory problems
- Substance Abuse
- Anxiety
- Depression
As your therapist, I am here to walk with you through the journey to your new beginning, where you can gain or regain your sense of empowerment and control.
I specialize in the following Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Prolonged Exposure
- Stress Inoculation
- Eye movement desensitization reprocessing
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Assertiveness Training
Psychodynamic
- Expression of emotions
- Exploration of avoidance of distressing emotions
- Examining past experiences
- Identification of defense mechanisms
- Working with interpersonal relationships
- Bringing your conflict and psychic tensions from the unconscious into the conscious to encourage healthier functioning
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Symptom resolution
- Improved interpersonal function
- Restore social network
Strengthen bonds with the one you love.