Category: Caring for Yourself After Sexual Violence

One of the most common questions survivors of sexual violence ask is, “Will the pain ever end?” When you’re dealing with the events of your past, the pain can seem overwhelming and never ending. Survivors are left to cope with a lot of grief, over what happened and what was lost. Will you ever get… Continue reading Sexual Violence & Grief

Finding a therapist is an important and often frightening part of the recovery process. It can be very intimidating to search for the person with whom you are going to share parts of your life that you may never have disclosed before. However, a relationship with the right professional can be richly rewarding, allowing you… Continue reading Finding a Therapist

By Laura K. Kerr, PhD and submitted by Patricia Healing from trauma is often described as a journey. Some people hate this description. I’ve heard, “It’s too kitschy!” And “A journey’s like a vacation, and recovering from trauma is like hell!” As a trauma survivor, I can admit I too have balked at the notion… Continue reading Live Within Your Window of Tolerance: A Quick Guide to Regulating Emotions, Calming Your Body & Reducing Anxiety

Note: While it’s true that some older survivors of child sexual abuse can have experiences that trigger a powerful resurgence of past trauma, this article is not meant to state that this will be the case for all. Rather, I hope it will be a comfort and offer support to older survivors who are experiencing a… Continue reading Older People Surviving Child Sexual Abuse

© Amy Menna, Ph.D., LMHC, CAP Some say rape is about power. It has been said that when a woman is raped, her power is taken away. Not only is this notion erroneous, but it is what keeps many woman silent. The immense power within a woman cannot be destroyed. It can be hidden under… Continue reading Rape Trauma Syndrome: The Journey to Healing Belongs to Everyone

Was it my fault? This is one of the most common questions we see posed at Pandy’s and in other survivor communities. It should really come as no surprise that survivors blame themselves; it seems that society only takes rape seriously when the victim was violently overtaken by a stranger jumping out of the bushes.… Continue reading Was it my fault? Self-Blame & Survivors