Heidi Dryer, LMFT
Sexual abuse has a direct impact on your emotional world. You probably have felt things like shame and guilt and fear and humiliation. You may have even blamed yourself and had nightmares and flashbacks.
The toxic stress caused by sexual abuse can make it difficult to form healthy and stable relationships, contributes to increased risk of struggling with anxiety and depression throughout life.
Do you want to stop suffering? Are you considering therapy due to an accumulation of disappointing relationships? Do you consequently have a natural fear of closeness and intimacy? Are you looking for guidance and support from someone who is not going to judge you?
When someone is sexually abused, especially in childhood, boundaries become blurred and the sense of safety in the world and trust in others is compromised. So, how is this relationship with others healed? By experiencing a caring and loving relationship with a friend and/or significant other. Unfortunately, the person that has endured abuse might subconsciously be attracting and be attracted to someone who is going to perpetuate the abuse because that kind of relationship is familiar and consequently “safe.”
Anything that is familiar to us is recorded in our minds as “safe” even if it is not. This is because anything that is familiar is predictable and all that is predictable is “safe.” This is how our mind works. So, if you currently feel that most of your relationships are toxic, therapy can be a safe and healing alternative.
Therapy can be a very healing experience, especially for those who have experienced sexual trauma. It’s a relationship of mutual respect and authenticity. The therapist has a duty to above all do no harm.
The best therapeutic relationship can be found when the therapist has a natural ability to have empathy as this is something that cannot be taught. I do my best to make sure my clients feel comfortable during the therapy process. Other therapists may rush you into talking about your trauma too soon triggering more anxiety and making you feel worse. I will be honored if you allow me to walk along your journey of healing. I will respect your process of healing and make sure that you feel heard and seen. You will go at your own pace so you can explore all of your parts, the ones you like and the ones you dislike, in a safe, loving and supportive environment and will be pushed enough to where you are making progress. You are going to be able to create a new and more empowering story of who you are now and where you want to go in your life. Contact me for a 15 minute free consultation today to discuss how I can assist in your journey of growth
You are going to be able to create a new and more empowering story of who you are now and where you want to go in your life. Contact me for a 15 minute free consultation today to discuss how I can assist in your journey of growth.
Contact Heidi