Sex Therapy for Sexual Trauma
Things I hear my clients say…..
"I've never felt safe to talk about what happened to me"
"I know my trauma affecting me and my relationships, but I don't know what to do about it"
"It's been so long - what if I can't remember everything?"
*These are generalized statements and not direct quotes from any clients.
Approximately 1 in 20 boys experience some form of sexual abuse in their youth.
The number is even higher for girls at about 1 in 4. These statistics are frighteningly high and the effects on the children that experience this abuse can reverberate through their entire lives and even the lives of those around them.
Echoes of shame and anger rooted in these traumatic experiences can slowly and quietly shape the person they are to become and the relationships they are to cultivate. Patterns of avoidance and anxiety, blowing up and shutting down, clinging on and isolating are all common and valid responses to overwhelming past experiences that were tragically outside of one's control.
Sex Therapy can teach you how to embody healthy masculinity and date with consideration to principles of consent, feminism, and emotional attunement in a way that is respectful, confident and effective. From walking up to a stranger in a bar, to navigating the complex word of online dating, to communicating effectively before, during and after sex, therapy can give you the tools to protect yourself and your partners from common mistakes and help you find more and healthier romantic and sexual connections.
If you're ready to get started, I invite you to book a free consultation with me today
Frequently asked questions.
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For some people, dating can feel daunting because they have had limited experience - for these folks, therapy can help answer questions, set expectations and avoid common pitfalls. For others, dating can be discouraging because of past mishaps - for these folks, therapy can help you understand what went wrong so that you can approach it differently the next time.
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The truth is that dating is hard for just about everyone - sometimes especially the ones who make it look easy. Still, dating culture has changed a lot in recent years, with the increased reliance on dating apps, shifting attitudes towards gender (in particular, masculinity), higher expectations around appearance or compatibility…the pressure has never been higher! An experienced therapist can help you navigate these issues with insights and guidance to help you refine your approach and find the partners you are looking for.
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Relationships in general, especially romantic and sexual ones, can be incredibly vulnerable. We often share more with intimate partners and they are much more likely to be around us when our guard is down. For this reason, people have all kinds of strategies to keep themselves protected that they may not be conscious of at all. These can include being avoidant of closeness or clinging onto it too tightly. Strategies like perfectionism, "love bombing", or secrecy can be signs that we are insecure in ourselves. Therapy can help you build your confidence so you can show up to each date from a place of secure authenticity.