The concept of forgiveness can be activating and retraumatizing for some survivors. Nearly three out of four sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows.1 When the perpetrator is someone the survivor knows, it is likely that they also know other people in their life. Unfortunately, survivors are sometimes put in the difficult position…
Toxic masculinity is a popular term used to describe attributes and behaviors stereotypically associated with masculinity that cause harm to men and those around them. It’s important to remember that toxic masculinity is built on the belief that masculinity can be toxic, not that it is inherently toxic on its own. Toxic masculinity upholds strict…
After experiencing sexual assault, or any form of trauma, it’s likely that you’ve heard conversations about healing from the traumatic event. But, what does it mean to heal from trauma, and what does it look like? What does it mean to heal from trauma? Everyone defines what it means to heal from trauma in their…
Suicide is a topic shrouded in stigma and misconceptions, and the holiday season seems to magnify the confusion. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the myths surrounding suicide, highlight the stigma associated with the word “suicide,” and address the language barriers associated with discussing this sensitive topic, particularly during the holidays. Myths Surrounding Suicide…
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic technique developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Initially designed for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has gained recognition and popularity for its efficacy in addressing various psychological issues.1 This article will explore the scientific underpinnings of EMDR therapy, its mechanisms of action, and…
Survivors.org defines trauma as both: Trauma is both a specific experience and our emotional experiences that arise after that event. Survivors often report that when they discuss their trauma, others may try to tell them that their experience wasn’t “bad enough” to be considered traumatic. In reality, trauma is personal. Something that may overwhelm one…
Isolation can be defined as the tendency to separate oneself from others. It is common for those who have experienced a traumatic event to isolate themselves afterward. Isolation is both a byproduct of trauma, as well as a contributing factor to it, which can create a cycle of isolation and exacerbate trauma symptoms. Social support…
How we react to disclosures of sexual assault significantly impacts a survivor’s healing process.1 58-94% of survivors seek informal support from a loved one.2 It’s important we learn how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault, as research shows that the way others respond to disclosure can have a great impact on a survivor’s mental…
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder often developed after having a traumatic experience, including acts of sexual violence. Research estimates that one month after a sexual assault, 75% of people meet the criteria for PTSD. One year later, 41% of those survivors still meet the criteria for PTSD.1 PTSD is a diagnosis listed…
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which intends to bring attention to the unique struggles faced by minority groups. The black community has unique experiences compared to people from other racial and ethnic groups when it comes to healthcare, including mental healthcare. Sexual violence impacts black people in ways that are specific to their…
Self-esteem can be described as an ongoing assessment of one’s sense of self and the value assigned to those perceptions. Self-esteem is based on perception. The value judgments people make about themselves may or may not be based in reality. Rather, a sense of self is shaped by the lens through which people see the…
Dissociation is a mental process that causes a disconnect between different cognitive processes such as one’s thoughts, feelings, sense of identity, memories, and consciousness. While statistics show that many people experience dissociation at some point in their lives, those who have experienced trauma dissociate at higher rates than those who have not. Research has found…
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