Survivors of Sexual Abuse

People who have experienced trauma or abusive situations often find it challenging to trust other people enough to establish the intimate relationships that they truly desire deep in their heart. Even giving and receiving simple touch can trigger unsettling feelings. Psychotherapy is often a necessary and valuable process in dealing with the effects of trauma and abuse. Many individuals, however, still struggle with the divide between their desire for touch and intimacy, and their ability to get close enough to others. In an ideal world, we would all find partners who were willing to meet us where we are and help us cope with the challenges of intimacy. In the real world, however, most people are not experienced enough to know how to deal with such wounds that are often incomprehensible. Also, few are able to put aside their own personal agenda in relationship and focus their concerns only on the needs of their partner.

Working with an someone who is experienced with abuse survivors offers them the opportunity to take steps, one by one, at their own speed, toward reintegration and life in loving relationship. Progressive exercises are available to begin the process of experiencing touch in a safe and wholesome manner.

I have been working with the special challenges of individuals recovering from sexual abuse since 1997.