Sexual Abuse or Assault

Working with folks who have be impacted by sexual abuse or assault is my area of speciality and passion. I am a certified facilitator for the training: Stewards of Children, which is a training gear to adults on learning how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to childhood sexual abuse. I have worked with youth, adolescents, and adults who have experienced severe and complex sexual assault(s). I believe wholeheartedly that a person who has experienced sexual abuse or assault can heal.

Many cultures have a tendency to push issues of sexual abuse under the rug, which only adds to the pain that assault already causes. Subduing or quieting yourself in regards to what you've experienced allows shame, anger, sadness, and feelings of rejection to compound. I strive to give survivors space to vocalize what they've gone through, what they needed then, what they need now, while guiding them through giving themselves compassion, for something that the world too easily shuns.

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

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

Any sexual assault, harassment, or even unwanted advances from another person is a big deal. I hear all the time, “it’s fine,” nothing really happened,” I’m just overreacting,” or “I am making a big deal out of nothing.” I want every person to know that those statements are ideas and beliefs that the brain creates as a way to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense, a way to cope with the feeling of helplessness, and a way to make something feel okay even though it’s not okay. Accepting

James Foley LCSW 60 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10165 www.sexuallycompulsive.com

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've worked with folx who have experienced sexual abuse or assault since starting my career. Many people come to me feeling like it's their fault, that they should have done something differently, or so much shame at what did happen. I believe you and I believe that none of this is your fault. Together we can process the effects of this trauma, knowing that you can take the lead as to what that looks like. It can change, and it can get better.

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.

I evaluate individuals accused (true or false allegations) of sexual abuse or assault, including child sexual abuse. I prepare comprehensive, detailed reports for defense attorneys, court officials, probation and parole officers, etc. I am especially passionate about turning around false sexual abuse allegations. When the allegations are correct, I look for mitigating circumstances, and I conduct risk assessments to help determine if the accused is a good candidate for probation or parole. I also provide treatment for actual sex offenders. I prepare very detailed, comprehensive evaluations in these cases and I am prepared to testify in court to back up my findings and recommendations.

I have worked with survivors of sexual trauma for over a decade, both as a therapist and as a community based advocate. I recognize the unique challenges healing from sexual based trauma, and believe that building a unique treatment plan for you and your individual needs is essential when creating a working partnership with your therapist.

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?

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.

Left untreated, the wounds of incest/childhood sexual abuse can permeate every area of your life as an adult. You might be silently plagued with nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and feeling like something bad is going to happen at any minute. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and maintaining the shame-based belief that the abuse was somehow your fault are all common reactions in adulthood. Know your healing is possible and that you deserve to heal.

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 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.