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COMMON ISSUES OF SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

SEXUAL ABUSE

The prevalence of sexual abuse is ever rising. The latest statistics say that every 92 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes that victim is a child. If you were sexually assaulted as a child, you no doubt have many after effects of that intrusion. Individual and/or group counseling can help immensely.

  • ​Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories 

  • Nightmares and/or Sleep Disturbances 

  • Dissociation and/or Spacing/Numbing Out 

  • Anxiety, Hypervigilance and/or Panic Attacks 

  • Low Self-Esteem, Guilt and/or Self Blame 

  • Self Destructive Behaviors and/or Addictions 

  • Depression 

  • Difficulty with Relationships and/or Sexual Intimacy 

  • Sexual Compulsions 

  • Somatic/Physical Symptoms

SYMPTOMS AND AFTER AFFECTS

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COPING SKILLS FOR DEALING WITH SEXUAL ABUSE TRAUMA

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TEN WEEK THERAPY GROUP FOR WOMEN SURVIVORS 

Participation in a group and hearing about other survivors experiences is a normalizing experience and often frees the survivor from feeling crazy, dirty, alien or different. This group was designed to provide a safe and supportive environment in which women could tell their stories, end the shame and guilt associated with the abuse, break the isolation and receive support.

Benefits of group work with women who experienced childhood sexual abuse are

  • Identification with other members

  • Acknowledgement of the abuse and the subsequent breaking of unhealthy secrets

  • Provision of a support network

  • Exploration of emotions and beliefs

  • Provision of a safe context and catalyst for challenging beliefs and childhood messages

  • A safe place for grieving

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