Sexual Trauma Counselling

Sexual trauma—whether through sexual assault, violence, coercion, childhood sexual abuse, harassment, rape, unwanted sexual touch, or other unwanted sexual experiences—can profoundly impact your sense of self, your relationships, and the way you experience the world around you. The effects of sexual trauma can look different for every person. You may experience anxiety, shame, difficulties with trust or relationships, changes in sexual desire or arousal, pain during intimacy, or simply feel disconnected from yourself or your body.

In sexual trauma counselling, I support you in developing a greater sense of worth, seeing yourself as a whole person, healing through shame, fear, and pain, and developing sexual wellbeing within yourself and, where relevant, within your relationship.

As both an Individual Counsellor and Sex Therapist, I hold the broader context of sexual wellbeing in perspective. Individuals often find that the impacts of sexual trauma not only show up in their daily lives, but also within one of our most vulnerable human experiences: sexual intimacy. Because of this deep vulnerability, the impacts of sexual trauma within sexual intimacy often allow shame to take root at the core of who we are.

Many people find that they are able to experience healing in many areas of their lives, yet never discuss their sexual relationships with their therapist. In this one area, pain continues to linger. This is why it is essential to overall wellbeing that the sexual relationship is included as part of healing from sexual trauma. Sexual intimacy can also become a place where profound healing is experienced.

My approach to sexual trauma counselling, whether through individual counselling or sex therapy, is always guided by the individual and their unique needs. Where appropriate and desired, I also offer EMDR therapy to help directly process and heal traumatic memories.