Understanding Trauma Informed Sex Therapy for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Los Angeles
Sexual trauma can have a profound impact on your life, including your sexual health. You are not to blame for past trauma, and you do have the opportunity to move forward into a rewarding sexual relationship by understanding and healing your past suffering. Trauma informed sex therapy addresses the challenges of impaired desire, difficult physical intimacy, and feelings of inadequacy that sexual trauma survivors often experience.
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy focuses on sexual problems and enhancing overall sexual well-being. Sex therapists are professionals with specialized certification who help individuals and couples navigate sexual difficulties and traumatic events. Sex therapy intends to improve sexual experiences, communication with loved ones, and intimate relationships to provide positive sexual experiences. This type of therapy concentrates on the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of sexual experiences and working towards solutions that enhance satisfaction and intimacy.
How Do Sex Therapists Deal with Trauma?
Sexual trauma therapy is personalized to cater to your individual needs and will be customized to support your distinct circumstances, experiences, and objectives. I offer a safe space, free of judgment and rejection, to explore your story with sensitivity and compassion. Together, we will process your trauma and forge healthier notions about intimacy and sexual issues. You will begin to trust yourself as you regain control over your body and your past. Your sex life can become empowering and fulfilling.
Understanding Trauma Informed Sex Therapy
Sexual trauma therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach for victims of sexual assault in processing and recovering from the effects of sexual trauma. Its focus lies in addressing the underlying biological stress response triggered by such painful experiences. We utilize techniques like somatic therapy, EMDR, and brainspotting in addition to talk therapy to help abuse survivors find freedom from the stress stored in your nervous system. This paves the path for healing and relief by exploring the mind-body connection. Feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness are alleviated to make room for healthy sexual experiences.
How Trauma Informed Sex Therapy Can Help Intimacy
By embarking on the journey of healing from sexual trauma, you open doors to various positive transformations. You may notice heightened feelings of safety and well-being permeating your daily experiences, mental health, and sex drive. Building stronger connections with others becomes more attainable, fostering genuine intimacy and closeness in relationships and your own body. Relief from debilitating symptoms like panic attacks, flashbacks, and other manifestations of PTSD paves the way for a life unburdened by traumatic experiences.
The Sex Therapy Environment
The decision to address the effects of abuse takes bravery. Know that everything regarding your story, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and mental health history, remains confidential. There is great respect and reverence given to you as you begin healing. How you interact during your therapy sessions can also influence your comfort, and as such, sessions may be in-person or online in Los Angeles. Your physical and mental safety is of utmost priority.
Ways to Prepare Yourself Before a Visit
Before your trauma-informed sex therapy visit, prioritize self-care activities that promote a positive outlook and sense of safety. Organize your mind and body with mindful activities that you enjoy and bring you peace. Prepare yourself emotionally, reflect on your therapeutic goals, and keep an open line of communication with me. This process can be difficult, and remind yourself of the confidence and self-love you deserve to move forward.
What to Expect in a Session
In a trauma-informed sex therapy session, you can expect open and non-judgmental discussions about your sexual orientation and history, concerns, and experiences. You may have "homework assignments" that focus on self-reflection, communication, or exploring new sexual experiences. These assignments are designed to support your healing journey and enhance your sexual health. Therapy is collaborative, and together, we may consult with other professionals in the medical field to best support your process.
What are Some Methods For Trauma-informed Healing?
Mindfulness, grounding exercises, trauma processing therapy, and sex education are all powerful ways to assist healing. These methods focus on safety, trust, and validation to recover from traumatic experiences and work toward pleasurable sexual experiences.
Types of Therapies Used for Sexual Trauma
Somatic therapy is a style of psychotherapy that explores your mind and body connection. We will explore how you feel in your physical body - where the relaxation is, and where the tension is. When layered with your beliefs and experiences, we can address past sexual abuse holistically via your thoughts and your body's reactions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a scientifically validated approach utilized to alleviate distress rooted in traumatic experiences. Clinical studies also indicate its efficacy in addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, and helping victims of sexual abuse.
Brainspotting is another approach that targets triggers interfering with sexual desire and other complications of past trauma. Past limitations caused by psychological trauma, which are often unable to be vocalized, become unlocked as brainspotting facilitates their release. The mind-body connection is the foundation as I guide you to release this information and treat your nervous system.
Please request a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to learn if therapy or coaching is right for you.
My physical office for sex therapy sessions is in Los Angeles, and I offer secure and confidential telehealth sessions in California, New Mexico, and Florida.