Sexual Abuse or Assault

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.

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.

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 love working with men who have experienced sexual abuse because they are resilient, resourceful, kind, empathetic, been through hell and value investing in themselves. You don’t have to do this alone! I am able to be here for you and with you, to deeply listen and to gently and patiently inquire with curiosity. You get to open up and be seen on your own terms and at your own pace. With support, why not move through the discomfort and live life where the inside feels great too?

I am trained in several trauma-informed strategies. I currently hold certification in Complex PTSD and Trauma (CCPT) Levels I and II, which incorporates EMDR, Parts Work (IFS), CPT, and Polyvagal Theory. I am well-versed in Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT), DBT, CBT, Family Systems, Somatic Psychology, and the impact of trauma on the brain.

I have worked with hundreds of clients who have experienced sexual abuse/assault. I have seen countless clients experience complete healing from these violations.

You may have a disdain of being touched and find it hard to trust people. You may unconsciously silence your needs and desires while prioritizing the desires of others. Feelings of self-blame & self-doubt seem ubiquitous & constant. However, that there is another side that is absolutely attainable and liberating. I consider it a privilege to work with fellow sexual trauma survivors to curate a life of peace & empowerment in which you can thrive.

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.

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.

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, as a Certified sexual misbehavior professional. James Foley LCSW 60 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10165 718-208-6135 www.sexuallycompulsive.com

Sexual trauma can really shake us to our core. Living in a sexist world after a trauma can be overwhelming as a woman. Toxic masculinity is prevalent in both work and home life – creating complex triggers in unlikely places. As our awareness of these intersections between trauma and sexism increase, we may feel up in arms, ready to start a revolution! But we need to take exquisite care of ourselves first or else we are left feeling overwhelmed, drained and hopeless. After a sexual trauma we often wonder – can we ever feel beautiful, sexual, and/or feminine again and still feel safe? Can we trust others – or even ourselves – again? The answer is a resounding yes. Through a multi-modal approach that infuses relational, experiential and body-oriented approaches I help clients overcome trauma, create healthy boundaries, increase resilience, reclaim their sense of self and create the lives they wish to lead.

Sexual trauma is one of the most painful traumas as it's often surrounded by so much shame and self-blame that it can take a very long time to reach out for help. As someone who has worked at sexual assault agencies in Boulder, CO, San Antonio, TX and San Francisco, CA as well as treating trauma in my counseling practice, I have seen first hand the wide spread pain and havoc that sexual trauma causes. The good news is that relief from your pain is possible and freedom is within reach.

After surviving sexual assault, you may feel numb and disconnected from the world or you might feel overwhelmed by emotion. I use EMDR (rapid eye movement) therapy and other techniques to help you reprocess traumatic memories to reduce debilitating trauma symptoms like “flashbacks,” panic attacks, and feeling on edge. When you no longer have that gut-wrenching feeling of fear when you’re reminded of your trauma, you’re able to make clearer decisions, feel calmer, and connect with others safely.

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.

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.

As a dedicated professional in the field of trauma and abuse recovery, I have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding sexual abuse and its profound impact on individuals. My expertise lies in creating a safe, empathetic environment where survivors can begin to heal and reclaim their narratives. With a focus on trauma-informed care, I employ various therapeutic approaches, including Sandtray Therapy, to facilitate healing and self-expression.

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.

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.

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.