Healing Starts Within Overcoming Sexual Trauma Together
“Healing Starts Within” conveys the idea that the process of healing begins internally, within oneself. True healing and transformation stem from personal efforts, self-awareness, and self-care.
It suggests that individuals have the power to initiate and drive their own healing journey by exploring their emotions, beliefs, and experiences, and actively seeking ways to address and overcome challenges.
This does not mean that healing occurs on your own and alone. On the contrary, seeking support is essential in the journey of healing of sexual trauma.
Proven practices to heal from past traumas from a sex therapist:
- Therapy:Seek professional help from therapists specializing in trauma, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Seeking support from an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist can also support you in creating a sex-positive healing journey.
- Support Groups:Joining support groups with individuals who have experienced similar traumas can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Make sure that the group emphasizes healing and pleasure.
- Self-Care:Engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, journaling, and creative expression. Make sure to include pleasurable activities to support you in creating a healing journey with your body and sensual self.
- Healthy Relationships:Surround yourself with supportive and understanding individuals who respect your boundaries and provide a safe environment. This means friends and family members that honor your decisions and respect your no’s. If your feelings and thoughts are not being reciprocated, it’s okay to leave.
- Mindfulness:Practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques can help manage anxiety and reestablish a sense of control. And you don’t need a fancy mindfulness routine. Simply becoming aware of your feet on the ground and the movement of your belly breathing can help.
- Education:Educate yourself about trauma and its effects, helping you understand your own reactions and develop effective coping strategies. Remember that everyone experiences trauma and life differently. If it’s happening to you, it’s normal.
Myths about sex and trauma to be aware of according to a sex therapist:
- Myth: Trauma is Always Physical:Trauma can also be emotional, psychological, or verbal, not just physical. Being exposed to anything that causes you distress is considered trauma.
- Myth: Trauma is Rare:Trauma is more common than often thought, and its effects can vary widely. Trauma refers to any emotional or psychological distress that results from experiencing overwhelming distress. The lasting negative effects impact an individual’s well-being and functioning can be unique.
- Myth: Time Heals All Wounds:While time can help, healing often requires proactive effort and support. Seek support from a therapist and/or a support group. Open communication and processing feelings with a supportive listener can actually promote healing.
- Myth: Trauma Recovery is Linear:Healing involves ups and downs, progress and setbacks, and varies greatly from person to person. Factors like triggers, coping mechanisms, and complex emotions contribute to the nonlinear nature of healing. Someone might make significant strides forward, only to experience moments of regression/increased difficulties.
- Myth: Only Weak People Get Traumatized:Trauma can affect anyone and is not a sign of weakness. In response to trauma, both the mind and body can exhibit a range of immediate and long-term reactions. These responses are automatic and each body and mind reacts differently.
- Myth: You Should Just “Move On”:Healing takes time, and pushing oneself to “move on” prematurely can hinder the process. No matter how much wounds are avoided, squelched or denied, wounds always seek healing.