Sexual Abuse or Assault

I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and trauma - whether this occurred during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and was a one-time or ongoing assault. I have helped children and young adults disclose sexual abuse to family members, survivors of all ages address and process past sexual trauma(s), and clients work through recent/current sexual abuse.

The number of folks who have experienced sexual abuse or assault is unfortunately much higher than the general public realizes. I have frequently been the only person a survivor has told about their experience, and I do not take that privilege for granted. I hope to help cultivate a sense of safety, security, and empowerment in the work we do. Let's work together on battling shame and stigma and reclaim your body and identity.

Many cultures have a tendency to push issues of sexual abuse under the rug, which only adds to the pain that assault already causes. Subduing or quieting yourself in regards to what you've experienced allows shame, anger, sadness, and feelings of rejection to compound. I strive to give survivors space to vocalize what they've gone through, what they needed then, what they need now, while guiding them through giving themselves compassion, for something that the world too easily shuns.

I specifically work with survivors of sexual trauma. As a survivor myself, I intimately know and understand the challenging process of recovery. I hold safe and validating space for survivors, and offer feminist justice-based interventions to repair trauma, rebuild a life worth living, and reconnect to community.

Over the last ten years I have sought additional training in trauma, with particular focus on working with survivors of sexual assault. I previously worked in a rape crisis center and volunteered with RAINN for several years. My goal in addressing your sexual trauma is to help you move toward empowerment in your body, relationships, and in the world.

Many prefer to think childhood sexual abuse and trauma is rare and occurs only in other countries, but the heartbreaking truth is a minimum of 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have suffered sexual trauma by the age 18. Adult survivors find that few are willing to walk with them in their story and suffering, and many want them to be "over it" though the effects last a lifetime. Your story is not too much for Wild Foxgloves, we will be a witness to your suffering, and help you reclaim what was stolen.

I have found great fulfillment in my work with people who have engaged in risky or abusive sexual behaviors. I am passionate about preventing sexual abuse in our society and have found my professional niche in working with those who have engaged in such behaviors or who find themselves trying to managing concerning desires and attractions. I pride myself in my compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to my work. I see people, not behaviors and look forward to supporting you in your journey.

When you have experienced sexual trauma, it is crucial to work with someone who understands the complexity and depth of how your life and sense of yourself can be impacted. I work with you to begin the process of feeling safer in your body and in your relationships, to regain confidence and trust with those around you and with yourself. I create a caring, non-judgmental place where I bring many years of training in body-based trauma healing approaches, mindfulness, and relationship focus.

I have experience working with male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the confusing consequences of this unique type of abuse. Often, male survivors of sexual abuse struggle with intimacy, relationships, perfectionism, codependency, identity, dissociation, self sabotage, and overall boundary complications across different relationships. I can support you in the process of developing a treatment plan and following through to address your individual concerns step by step.

All forms of trauma can cause excruciating symptoms. Trauma perpetrated by other people, especially when sexual in nature, comes with its own particular challenges. I spent over four years working exclusively with survivors of sexual trauma and can bring extensive training and experience to the conversation. If past trauma is still infringing upon your present, you deserve to have space and support for healing.

With over a quarter century & 40k hours of expert treatment for all types of sexual misbehaviors provided, I give you an evidence based, research oriented treating of “sex addiction”, Out of Control Sexual Behavior, App Hook-Ups, Strip Clubs, Massage Parlors, compulsivity, Professional Sexual Misconduct, serial affairs, porn, as a Certified sexual misbehavior professional. James Foley LCSW 60 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10165 718-208-6135 www.sexuallycompulsive.com

I have specialized training in working with survivors of sexual assault, and I have volunteered as an advocate for a sexual assault hotline. In my private practice, I have also contracted with agencies that provide free therapy for survivors of sexual assault.

From a trauma-informed, humanistic, and somatic lens, I work slowly to unpack the many layers of impact that sexual trauma can have on the body and nervous system. This involves building trust in the self again first, and learning to reshape nervous system responses to threat, honor the body's wisdom and needs, and move with the anger, shame, guilt, or deep sadness that may arise in response to sexual trauma.

Many clients that I see have experienced sexual abuse or assault within their relationships or in childhood and these experiences become a focus of the trauma processing work that we do together. I have also completed the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs Therapist Core training and implement this with my clients.

Many, both men and women, have been the victims of sexual, as well as emotional and physical abuse. It can change our views of sex, our self-worth, our relationships, and even view of God, sometimes in unusual and unrealized ways. Many learn to avoid sex or seek it out in harmful ways. No need for shame though. You are safe here to express your deep thoughts that we don't share we anyone and even try to keep from God. You are indeed a victim, but I do not want anyone to stay a victim.

I was trained in a trauma therapy called Rapid Resolution therapy that is very helpful in treatment for those who have experienced sexual abuse/ assault.

EMDR is a useful modality for people who are experiencing symptoms caused by traumatic events like sexual abuse and sexual assault. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can also be useful for sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors because it teaches strategies to become more mindful of the present moment, cope with painful emotions in safe and healthy ways, and establish healthy boundaries and communicate effectively with others.

Since sexual abuse is a part of my own story, I know the depths of hurt, isolation, and struggle that can come from navigating these waters alone. I especially value working with men navigating stories of sexual abuse and the stigmas that are often associated with it. I want to help people begin to name what they long to heal, and begin to grieve what they are terrified to name.

Working with sexual trauma includes building a relationship and a therapeutic environment that can help clients feel the range of under-processed and calcified feelings stored within their bodies, including grief, pain (both physical and psychic), anger, and shame. I help clients understand what is happening in their nervous systems and bodies when triggered, and begin to build present-moment resources which foster a connected, trusting, fortified relationship with their bodies.