Sexual Abuse or Assault

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.

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 have worked with survivors of sexual assault both as a counselor and as a volunteer on a rapid response team, meeting with survivors in the hospital to offer resources and support. I have 7 years of experience working as an advocate and counselor for those who have been sexually assaulted. I am also a certified trauma professional and have treated survivors of sexual abuse for the past five years.

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 worked at a crisis center attached to a shelter where many of my clients were survivors of family/intimate partner violence. I utilize a trauma-informed approach, depending on where the client is in their recovery coupled with patience and understanding.

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.

I have found great fulfillment in my work with people who have engaged in risky or abusive sexual behaviors. I am passionate about preventing sexual abuse in our society and have found my professional niche in working with those who have engaged in such behaviors or who find themselves trying to managing concerning desires and attractions. I pride myself in my compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to my work. I see people, not behaviors and look forward to supporting you in your journey.

Whether the abuse happened long ago, recently, once, or was ongoing, please know that it is possible to heal and reclaim your power. With comprehensive experience helping survivors of sexual abuse and assault, I am here to help you navigate and manage the painful emotions, overpowering memories and thoughts, and persistent experience of being on edge. My experience includes supporting children, teens, and adults process and cope with sexual abuse, as well as helping family members respond.

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.

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.

When you have experienced sexual trauma, it is crucial to work with someone who understands the complexity and depth of how your life and sense of yourself can be impacted. I work with you to begin the process of feeling safer in your body and in your relationships, to regain confidence and trust with those around you and with yourself. I create a caring, non-judgmental place where I bring many years of training in body-based trauma healing approaches, mindfulness, and relationship focus.

I have worked extensively with people who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. I utilize DBT skills training, EMDR and Somatic Experiencing in order to assist people with healing through these past experiences.

In addition to working clinically with survivors of sexual abuse and assault, I am a Staff Trainer for MVP Strategies, a gender violence prevention program founded by Jackson Katz, PhD., utilizing the Bystander Approach. I have worked for over 10 years training individuals in the US Military, the entertainment industry, college and university athletic programs, and community groups to recognize and intervene in sexual violence in their immediate cultural contexts.

Trauma is an emotional response to any circumstance where you felt hopeless and overwhelmed. Many times the trauma is in the form of sexual abuse or assault. These experiences exceed your capacity to shape your beliefs, identity, spirituality, and coping. Trauma impacts the way you see yourself, others and the world around you.

For over 24 years I worked for a local sexual violence response program providing services to adult and child survivors as well their family members and friends.