Sexual Abuse or Assault

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD, providing trauma-informed care in a supportive and healing environment. I often integrate a variety of mental health modalties, art therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) that focuses on restoring a sense of safety, fostering resilience, and empowering individuals on their path toward healing.

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD, providing trauma-informed care in a supportive and healing environment. I often integrate a variety of mental health modalities, art therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) that focuses on restoring a sense of safety, fostering resilience, and empowering individuals on their path toward healing.

I was with Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida for over 3 years where I worked with children, teens, and adults who had experienced sexual abuse or assault. I am also trained in trauma specific modalities such as TF-CBT and EMDR.

Whether you experienced sexual abuse years ago as a child, or if your experience occurred three days ago as an adult.... I am here for you. I am so familiar with the questions left following a sexual assault about who we are, whether we'll ever feel better, the what-if's, and so many more. Once physical safety is established, there's a lot to unpack, and when it feels safe, I would be honored to walk down that challenging path with you.

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD, providing trauma-informed care in a supportive and healing environment. I often integrate a variety of mental health modalties, art therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) that focuses on restoring a sense of safety, fostering resilience, and empowering individuals on their path toward healing.

I have worked with survivors of sexual assault both as a counselor and as a volunteer on a rapid response team, meeting with survivors in the hospital to offer resources and support. I have 7 years of experience working as an advocate and counselor for those who have been sexually assaulted. I am also a certified trauma professional and have treated survivors of sexual abuse for the past five years.

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.

I worked at a crisis center attached to a shelter where many of my clients were survivors of family/intimate partner violence. I utilize a trauma-informed approach, depending on where the client is in their recovery coupled with patience and understanding.

Sexual abuse ravages the capacity for joy, the ability to love freely, to rest, and to live in the present, and feel comfortable in your own body, and for many with their sexuality. This is compounded by the complicit silence of our society. Though 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have suffered sexual trauma by age 18. Survivors find few are willing to walk with them in their suffering. Many want you to "get over it," yet the effects last a lifetime. I seek to offer a space of kindness where your

I evaluate individuals accused (true or false allegations) of sexual abuse or assault, including child sexual abuse. I prepare comprehensive, detailed reports for defense attorneys, court officials, probation and parole officers, etc. I am especially passionate about turning around false sexual abuse allegations. When the allegations are correct, I look for mitigating circumstances, and I conduct risk assessments to help determine if the accused is a good candidate for probation or parole. I also provide treatment for actual sex offenders. I prepare very detailed, comprehensive evaluations in these cases and I am prepared to testify in court to back up my findings and recommendations.

Many people I work with have experienced childhood sexual abuse. If specific memories are not available, we work with felt sense and any memories that may present as we do the work. Treatment modalities include EMDR, focused mindfulness, Ego State/parts work and embodied skills practices.

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.

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.

As a survivor myself, I understand the painful road to healing sexual violence causes. In order to approach healing, clients must go at their own pace in a safe environment where they feel the freedom to do so. This is what I work hard to provide by applying my knowledge on trauma in the body, the depression and major anxiety sexual violence can cause, and how to begin to rebuild ourselves through processing and skill-building together.

You've tried just forgetting it happened and moved on with your life, but at some point the past will begin to gnaw at you. Anxiety brings nightmares and flashbacks. You can't focus. You're questioning everything--who can you trust, was it your fault, was it really that bad, and how will you ever feel safe again? Sadness and anger follow you everywhere you go. Now's the time to reach out. You're not alone and we will work together so you can reclaim your life.

James Foley LCSW 60 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10165 www.sexuallycompulsive.com

I am especially sensitive to the survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault, with concerns including but not limited to: Boundaries and Trust; Familial Trauma; Domestic Violence and Relationship Issues; Sexual Violence; Shame; Pleasure; PTSD; Working through Pain vs. Pleasure; Recurring Dreams and Nightmares; Reporting or Not-Reporting; Creating a Personal Sexuality; Early Sexual Experience; Processing of Trauma - Putting Words to the Experience(s); Relationship Patterns; Fear; Reclamation of Self