Sexual trauma affects people of all genders at their very core because of the type of betrayal and violation it causes to the self. The process of healing from such violation can be overwhelming and daunting. As a result it is important to have a therapist who understands how interpersonal trauma can affect the self, and is familiar with how nuanced the sexual healing journey can be. This is a journey I have walked with many survivors and though every survivors journey is unique, having a traveling companion who is skilled in navigating through the most difficult parts can be very helpful.
My Experience
My experience and expertise in working with this population includes being a survivor myself, working as a volunteer and crisis counselor for the Rape Recovery Center in Salt Lake City (SLC) during my undergraduate training, and serving as a Crisis Worker/Case Manager for the YWCA’s Women in Jeopardy Program as a CSW. Since 2007 I have worked at the SLC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) as an outpatient psychotherapist. During my time there I have served as the Military Sexual Trauma Program Coordinator for 5+ years, as the LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator for 7+ years, and most recently as the Gender Identity Veteran Experience (GIVE) Program coordinator. I have also been part of the clinical facilitation team for a number of Weekends of Recovery through both Taking Back Ourselves.org, and MenHealing.org (Formerly MaleSurvivor).
I have extensive training in trauma informed evidenced based treatments and specialize in working with individuals struggling with PTSD, dissociative disorders, and gender dysphoria. I am passionate about, and skilled in empowering individuals to see their own wholeness and reclaim their souls after surviving trauma, betrayal, and injustice. For the past 20 years I have honed my skills of being a compassionate listener, a fierce advocate, an enthusiastic cheerleader, and a supportive traveling companion for those desiring to find purpose and meaning in life after trauma.
Supportive and Affirming Organizations for Survivors
Resources
The following are organizational resources, books, movies, and youtube links that I will use regularly as supplemental material during the therapeutic process to deepen healing and growth opportunities:
| The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse By: Wendy Maltz |
| The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma By: Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. |
| Trauma and Recovery By: Judith Lewis Herman, M.D. |
| Waking the Tiger & Trauma and Memory By: Peter Levine |
| Dear Little Ones (Book 1, Book 2: About Parents, Book 3: About Being Whole By: Jade Miller |
| Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and how it can help you find and keep love By: Amir Levine, M.D. and Rachel S.F. Heller, M.A. |