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Sexual Abuse & Trauma

Heal, grow, and reclaim your power. Our therapy services provide compassionate support for survivors of sexual abuse, guiding them on a transformative journey towards healing and empowerment.

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What Is Sexual Abuse & Trauma?

Sexual abuse is a deeply distressing form of trauma that involves unwanted sexual behaviour imposed upon an individual without their consent. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including but not limited to, sexual assault, molestation, rape, incest, and exploitation. Sexual abuse can occur at any age and can be perpetrated by someone known to the survivor or by a stranger.

 

The impact of sexual abuse is profound and can have long-lasting effects on the survivor’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Survivors may experience a range of immediate and long-term consequences, including feelings of guilt, shame, fear, anger, and confusion. They may also suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. Additionally, survivors may struggle with issues related to self-esteem, trust, intimacy, and forming healthy relationships.

 

It is crucial to recognise that sexual abuse is never the fault of the survivor. Seeking professional help and support from therapists experienced in trauma and sexual abuse can be instrumental in the healing process. Therapy offers a safe space for survivors to process their emotions, address the impact of the abuse, develop coping strategies, rebuild self-worth, and regain a sense of control and empowerment in their lives.

What Are The Symptoms?
Emotional Distress

Survivors often experience a range of intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, sadness, and confusion. They may also have mood swings and difficulty regulating their emotions.

Physical Symptoms

Sexual abuse can manifest in physical symptoms such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can arise due to the physiological effects of trauma.

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

Many survivors develop post-traumatic stress symptoms, including flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of triggers, and emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the abuse.

Relationship Issues

Sexual abuse can significantly impact survivors’ ability to trust others, form healthy relationships, and maintain intimacy. They may struggle with establishing boundaries, fear of intimacy, or experience difficulties with attachment.

Self-Esteem and Self-Worth Challenges

Survivors may grapple with feelings of low self-esteem, self-blame, and a negative self-image. They may question their worth, feel undeserving of love or happiness, or engage in self-destructive behaviors.

Substance Abuse and Self-Harm

Some survivors may turn to substances or engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with the emotional pain and distress caused by the abuse.

What Are The Causes?
How Phinity Can Help
What Are The Causes?

Sexual abuse is a complex issue with various underlying causes. It is essential to note that the responsibility for sexual abuse always lies with the perpetrator, and the survivor is never at fault. Here are some factors that can contribute to the occurrence of sexual abuse:

 

  • Power Imbalance: Sexual abuse often stems from an abuse of power, where the perpetrator exploits their position of authority, trust, or control over the survivor. This can include situations where the abuser is a family member, relative, intimate partner, caregiver, or someone in a position of power or influence.

 

  • Societal Factors: Societal factors such as patriarchal norms, gender inequality, and a culture that perpetuates violence can contribute to an environment that enables sexual abuse. Negative attitudes towards consent, victim-blaming, and the normalisation of abusive behaviours can further exacerbate the problem.

 

  • Childhood Trauma: Individuals who have experienced other forms of trauma, such as physical abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence during childhood, may be more vulnerable to sexual abuse. Adverse childhood experiences can impact one’s ability to establish healthy boundaries and navigate relationships, making them more susceptible to abuse.

 

  • Lack of Education and Awareness: Insufficient education and awareness about sexual abuse and consent can contribute to a lack of understanding and prevention efforts. Inadequate knowledge and misconceptions about sexual abuse can hinder identification, reporting, and support for survivors.

 

  • Systemic Failures: Failures within systems designed to protect individuals, such as child welfare systems, schools, workplaces, and legal systems, can contribute to the perpetuation of sexual abuse. Inadequate policies, poor reporting mechanisms, and insufficient training can all play a role in enabling abuse to occur and persist.
How Phinity Can Help

Therapy plays a vital role in supporting survivors of sexual abuse in their healing journey. Here’s how therapy can work in addressing the effects of sexual abuse:

 

Creating a Safe Space: Our therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where survivors can share their experiences, emotions, and concerns openly. Establishing trust and a sense of safety is essential for survivors to feel comfortable exploring their trauma.

 

Trauma-Informed Approach: Our therapists can offer specialised approaches and employ trauma-informed techniques. They understand the impact of sexual abuse and help survivors navigate the complexities of their experiences, validating their emotions, and providing tools to manage trauma-related symptoms.

 

Processing and Coping: Therapy assists survivors in processing their trauma and its associated emotions. Through techniques like talk therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), our therapists help survivors identify and reframe negative thoughts, develop healthy coping strategies, and reduce distressing symptoms.

 

Building Resilience: Therapy supports survivors in rebuilding their sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and personal resilience. We work with survivors to challenge self-blame, shame, and negative self-perceptions, fostering a positive and empowering narrative about themselves.

 

Addressing Interpersonal Challenges: Therapy helps survivors navigate relationship difficulties and challenges related to trust, intimacy, and boundaries. Our therapists provide guidance in establishing healthy boundaries, developing communication skills, and fostering supportive relationships.

 

Healing from Secondary Effects: Sexual abuse can have secondary effects, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or eating disorders. Our therapists address these co-occurring issues, exploring their underlying connections to the trauma and developing strategies for recovery.

 

Empowerment and Self-Care: Therapy emphasises self-care practices and promotes empowerment for survivors. This may involve exploring self-compassion, engaging in activities that promote healing and self-expression, and learning strategies to prioritise their own well-being.

 

It is important to note that therapy is a highly individualised process, and the specific approach may vary based on the survivor’s unique needs and preferences. Working with a qualified therapist experienced in trauma and sexual abuse is crucial in providing effective support and guiding survivors towards healing, resilience, and reclaiming their lives.

What You Get At Phinity

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James M
37 minutes ago
I can't thank Phinity Therapy enough for their support and expertise.
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A a
2 months ago
Thanks Rehanna, I feel the best I've felt in YEARS and I've had a few therapists before so that's a credit to you.
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R t
3 months ago
Really grateful for Rehanna's help, and for listening to me, it's really helped.
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4 months ago
Thank you, I feel progress after every session.
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Odessa i
4 months ago
I just want to thank you for helping me to feel again. I numbed myself with medication for so long, I forgot how clear my mind could feel without it and I have been able to feel the good feelings again now too, I feel motivated, something that has been missing for years, I really didn't think I'd ever feel this way again. Thank you so much Rehanna.
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Anonymous
7 months ago
It felt like these sessions were all I had to help me through a really difficult time at work. I honestly don't know how I would have managed without your help and support. I have my family and friends but it's just not the same, I needed a place where it felt safe to be completely open and feel my vulnerability, and you gave me that. Thank you Rehanna.
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8 months ago
Great location, easy to access which made it convenient to get therapy during my lunch hour
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Sonia P
8 months ago
Sometimes I wonder what we're going to talk about when nothing has happened in the week but we always seems to go somewhere useful and I leave feeling better. I am dreading the last session next week but you are right, it's an end and a new beginning.
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Sandra
11 months ago
The first two sessions have really helped. I was worried about seeing a therapist but I'm so glad my wife encouraged (made) me do it! I'm feeling better and I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks.
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Claire
1 year ago
Thanks, it was helpful to have somewhere to verbalise some of the things I haven't and can't say to others and also hearing your take on things helped me to see another way of seeing things that I didn't before. I know what I must do and I'm grateful for your help along the way, and the plan I now have. Thank you so much.
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