If your loved one has been sexually assaulted or sexually abused in the past, it can be very difficult to know how best to support them. Here’s a reference of Do’s and Don’ts for the survivor in your life. DO Be informed about sexual assault. Learn about common trauma effects and know what to expect. …
Do’s and Don’ts When Your Loved One has been Sexually Assaulted Read More »
Being involved with a survivor of sexual assault can be an all-consuming process. Keeping in mind that many trauma effects show up in relationships, and it’s important for you to set appropriate and healthy boundaries. Take Care of your own Self-Care by setting Boundaries Often, a survivor feels totally overwhelmed by his or her emotions. …
If Your Loved One was Sexually Assaulted, Be the Boundary-Setter Read More »
I had a therapy session today with a brave and insightful young woman who is working hard to get past her past. She was sexually abused as a child, and she wants to move on from it. She says that it haunts her, and that she can’t stop thinking about the past. I was reminded …
Healing from trauma is hard work. It’s exhausting and taxing. As a supporter, you can help by encouraging the survivor to continue doing their work of healing while validating how difficult the process is. Sometimes we all need a word of encouragement to continue down an uncomfortable path. Make time to encourage the survivor in …
If Your Loved One was Sexually Assaulted-Be The Encourager Read More »
Whether you’re finding yourself thinking too much about the past, or obsessing over upsetting memories, it’s difficult to “get over” the past and live in the present. Part of the reason that it’s so difficult to stop ruminating about the past is due to how our brains are wired. Specific memories, feelings and thought patterns …
If your loved one is sexually assaulted, you might now know what to do. For example, your girlfriend may be raped, or your boyfriend opens up and tells you that he was molested as a child. A friend may tell you in hushed tones that she was sexually assaulted by a friend or someone she …
If Your Loved One is Sexually Assaulted-Be the Encourager Read More »
Most loved ones ask me about the single most important thing they can do to help a survivor. My answer is always the same: you need to be a listener. It sounds very simple, but it’s a difficult task to simply listen and not try to “fix” anything. When someone we love is in pain, …
If Your Loved One is Sexually Assaulted: Be The Listener-Not The Fixer Read More »
There are events that happen to us in life that we can’t handle ourselves. These events often overcome our daily life, making us depressed, hopeless, and powerless to even get out of bed in the morning. Trauma can make it harder to live life, be happier, and see the good in everything around us. If …
Here’s how to ease into being intimate again after a sexual assault.
Why can’t I stop thinking about my past? Why can’t I just get over it?
What to do when your partner has been sexually abused.
One of the reasons I love my role as trauma therapist, is witnessing and partaking in the growth and healing of my clients. I tell them I am a co-partner on their healing journey, I do not see myself as wiser than, or an expert, rather a trusted guide. I mentioned in my first blog, …
How To Move Through Emotions, Rather than Fighting Them Read More »
