For Survivors

Dear Survivor,

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         It is a courageous act of resistance to be here right now after having survived so much, and I am grateful you found your way to this page. I would like to first acknowledge your innate strength and resilience, while also being clear that you did not ask for this -  to have to be brave, to keep going, to land here. You did not ask for or want your world to turn upside down, where all things familiar and comfortable now feel strange, far away, or scary.  

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        You might not feel strong or courageous right now, but it takes a warrior to get back up and work towards healing from sexual trauma.

 

         I am hopeful for you, as it is possible and realistic to recover and thrive after a traumatic event or events like sexual assault.

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        You are not alone. It is not your fault - ever. I would like you to know that I believe you 100% - that you were attacked, violated, hurt. Assault is assault, rape is rape, abuse is abuse, violence is violence. You did not ask for this, and it is irrelevant what you wore, what/how much you ingested, whether or not you experienced pleasure, if you were into it at first and changed your mind, if you did not stop it or yell for help, if the perpetrator gave you attention that felt good, or whatever excuse of the attacker. What you experienced has immensely changed your life, derailing your dreams and catapulting you into an overwhelming place of panic, fear, grief, rage, and posttraumatic stress (these are some common reactions after assault).

 

        Sexual violence inevitably changes everything. It is normal to feel out of control. Assault hits like two arrows - the event itself and the devestatng aftermath of it all. Most survivors experience isolation, sense of alienation, and a profound severing from yourself. No matter what happened, it is not your fault; it is not possible no matter what you've been told or what the inner voice says. Your body prioritizes survival automatically and without conscious decision-making. Your brain instantly chooses to fight, flee, freeze, cry, fawn, or dissociate. These biological responses occur to ensure that you live another day. The trauma you have survived, and your body's intelligent efforts to survive, are not your fault.

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         I understand where you are at right now - the hypervigilance, loss of safety, being on edge constantly, swinging from low (depressed, can't get out of bed) to high (anxious, enraged), intrusive memories, and more.

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         I am here to offer hope and possibilities: when you are ready, there is help to get through this together. Life can transform and heal after sexual trauma to an existence of harmony, inner peace, empowerment, joy, playfulness, and resolution. Although it might feel unimaginable, unattainable, or difficult right now, I strongly believe that it's in your cards to heal from possibly one of the worst experiences in your life. You can return home to your spirit and body despite what has occurred. 

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         Through the brave and transformative work of somatic therapy (sensorimotor psychotherapy) to address, process, and heal sexual trauma, it is within your reach to reclaim your life and be liberated from the heavy grasp of the past. This is as much of a physiological, emotional, mental healing process as it is a spiritual journey.

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With lovingkindness,

Krystal