BREAKING THE SILENCE

by Lara Mekhitarian

Following the chronicling of the “Me too” movement by Pulitzer Prize winning, Ronan Farrow, the millions of voices of sexual abuse and harassment survivors was harrowing. Sexual abuse. The words alone invoke shame, fear, anger, and disgust. However, for the first time in history, survivors began to speak up and bust through the stigma of shame. What followed was solidarity and a collective voice of men and women around the United States who finally broke free of their shackles of shame and owned their truth. 

The statistics of sexual abused by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center state that:

·     One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives

  • In the U.S., one in three women and one in six men experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime

  • 51.1% of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 40.8% by an acquaintance

  • 52.4% of male victims report being raped by an acquaintance and 15.1% by a stranger

  • Almost half (49.5%) of multiracial women and over 45% of American Indian/Alaska Native women were subjected to some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime

  • 91% of victims of rape and sexual assault are female, and nine percent are male

  • In eight out of 10 cases of rape, the victim knew the perpetrator

  • Eight percent of rapes occur while the victim is at work

Sexual abuse takes many forms and while sexual abuse happens frequently, the topic carries so much shame that it makes healing all the more difficult for the survivors. Speaking up, however, can be one of the best ways to face and recover from those experiences. 

Sexual abuse causes deep psychological wounds that are made worse by the fact that the damage to survivors is unseen. Survivors often experience lasting effects such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty trusting others and maintaining relationships. Additionally, survivors may experience difficulty concentrating, challenges with sleeping, flashbacks, intrusive memories, weight gain or weight loss, hyper-vigilance, avoidance, and disassociation. 

While the experience of trauma will never be forgotten, therapy can help survivors learn to manage the psychological and physical fallout of abuse by talking through the experience and learning techniques to regain control over the body. 

Trauma recovery includes understanding that the incident is over and in the past as well as understanding that it is possible to move forward in life without the effects of the trauma running the show. Some of the key ways to heal with trauma include:

  • Psychoeducation about trauma and the impact it has had on your mind and body

  • Learning coping strategies that can help you stay present, feel safe, and help emotionally regulate the ups and downs of the aftermath

  • Understanding the reason why you are the one left with the guilt and shame of someone else’s actions

  • Discovering the way trauma has impacted your body as well as your mind and developing ways to help you connect back to your body and help your body feel safe

  • Telling your story and understanding that you are a survivor 

  • Making meaning of these experiences and developing a new identity where trauma isn’t the core of you or your story

  • Thriving 

The key take away for survivors is to remember that they are just that—survivorsof a terrible incident who have made it through. 

One of the greatest resources out their for survivors is trauma therapy. Trauma therapy is about helping survivors realize that they are resilient and can be supported in their healing journey.  Trauma therapy is different in that the therapist is an expert at helping survivors regain their sense of control and help them learn to free themselves from an experience that has become the core identity of the survivor. Trauma therapy includes traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy to help heal the physical affects of trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and other treatment models designed to help in trauma recovery. 

The first step you can take is learning more about what resources are available to you and finding the right resource to help you cope, process, and heal. Take the chance and call a trauma specialist who can give you more information and help you discover what road to healing you want to take. Breaking the silence is just the first step. 

If you or a loved one have suffered from sexual abuse or harassment, please know that we are here to support you in your healing and recovery. Feel free to reach out to us anytime at Lara@HealTheHurt.com to let us help you break your silence.  

Featured
Supervisor Geri Lynn Cesar
Supervisor Geri Lynn Cesar

Bringing a wealth of experience in trauma-informed care from an intersectional feminist and collective care lens, Geri Lynn Cesar joins our team as a clinical supervisor, enriching our practice with a deeply empathetic and inclusive approach to therapy. With a commitment to meeting individuals where they are and fostering community support, Geri Lynn believes in the transformative power of therapeutic relationships in empowering individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship stress, and chronic illness. Drawing on years of experience in community mental health, including roles at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and volunteering for The Trevor Project, a LGBTQ+ teen suicide prevention lifeline, she is adept at providing affirming and compassionate care to diverse populations.

A graduate of Antioch University, Los Angeles with a Master's in Clinical Psychology specializing in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapy, Geri Lynn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. As an Adjunct Faculty member at Antioch University, she is deeply committed to education and mentorship, ensuring that our team remains culturally competent and responsive to the needs of our clients. Geri Lynn also provides consults and cultural competency trainings for organizations and corporations, further enhancing our team's ability to provide inclusive and affirming care. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team as a clinical supervisor, where their dedication to empowerment, inclusivity, and community support will undoubtedly enrich our practice and enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients.

 

Supervisor Rachel Coleman
Supervisor Rachel Coleman

Originally from New Jersey, Rachel Coleman ventured to sunny Southern California to pursue a Master's in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, driven by a profound calling to assist individuals grappling with eating disorders. With a career spanning over two decades, Rachel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#48782) in California, specializing in Eating Disorders. Beginning as a Recovery Coach and progressing to roles as a Primary Therapist and Program Director at an Eating Disorder treatment center in Long Beach, Rachel garnered invaluable experience before establishing a thriving private practice that has served the community for 15 years. Revered as a trusted referral source by pediatricians, endocrinologists, school counselors, and nutritionists, Rachel is recognized for expertise in treating an array of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and CEDS-Supervisor, she is equipped to handle even the most complex cases, complemented by certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Perinatal Mood Disorders, and Intuitive Eating.

Bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to client-centered care, Rachel joins our team as a clinical supervisor, enriching our practice with her expertise in understanding and addressing the root causes of eating disorders. With a comprehensive approach that incorporates various modalities such as talk therapy, creative expression, and collaborative counseling, Rachel fosters an environment conducive to healing and growth. As the founder of Monarch Rising Therapy and Nutrition Services, Rachel has demonstrated exemplary leadership in cultivating a team dedicated to providing quality, compassionate care to individuals in South Orange County and here at Heal the Hurt Counseling. With a steadfast commitment to ongoing education and research, Rachel ensures that our team remains at the forefront of the field, guiding clients through profound metamorphoses towards authentic living. We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to our team, where her passion and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our associates and enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients. To work with Rachel Coleman, LMFT directly please visit Monarch Rising Therapy at www.monarchrisingtherapy.com

Sandy Gordon
Sandy Gordon

Sandy Gordon is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who brings a wealth of compassion, care, and understanding to her clients. She recognizes how important it is to consider the many layers that impact our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Sandy's approach to therapy is rooted in person-centered/humanistic and EFT/attachment-based modalities, and she utilizes a holistic and culturally affirming perspective. Her ultimate goal is to help her clients move beyond shame, cultivate self-compassion and self-acceptance, create meaning, and find purpose. 
She is highly skilled in helping individuals navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, and existential concerns. Additionally, Sandy is fully trained in EMDR and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Moreover, Sandy is bilingual in Spanish and has a passion for integrating holistic forms of healing into her practice. No matter what challenges her clients face, Sandy is committed to helping them find hope, healing, connection, and transformation on their journey toward well-being.

Cece Wrenn
Cece Wrenn

Cece Wrenn (she/her), an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, brings a compassionate, grounded, and approachable presence to her practice. Dedicated to nurturing a safe and supportive environment, Cece ensures that clients feel empowered to explore their stories and embark on a journey of personal growth. Drawing from strength-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed approaches, she meets clients where they are, tailoring her methods to suit each individual's unique needs. Whether facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or life transitions, clients can expect warmth, encouragement, understanding, and curiosity while working with Cece. With experience working with diverse individuals of all ages and backgrounds, she has a particular passion for supporting adolescents, adults, and couples of all races, identities, and sexualities, fostering a space where everyone feels valued and understood. Cece pulls from many evidence-based therapeutic approaches, but mainly utilizes elements from CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, attachment, mindfulness-based and solution-focused techniques.

Sarah Im
Sarah Im

Sarah Im is an Associate Marriage/Couples and Family Therapist (AMFT) who earned her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. She has experience working with children, teens, adults, and families, who are dealing with relational stress, trauma, a wide range of diagnoses, or maneuvering through difficult life challenges. Sarah’s approach to therapy is person-centered, narrative, and trauma-informed, with an attachment and social justice focused lens. She is passionate about working collaboratively with the client and believes healing happens within the context of relationships with ourselves, others, and our world. She prioritizes offering clients an understanding and safe space to explore, process, and feel seen as they are.

Sandra Liu
Sandra Liu

Sandra Liu (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2021 from Pepperdine University.  Sandra is passionate about helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves and integrate mindfulness into their routines. Sandra has extensive experience and training in leading support groups and working with couples. She utilizes modalities rooted in person-centered, strength-based, and compassion-focused orientation. Sandra believes that happiness is an emotion that often leaves to help us grow; peace is often sustained through cultivating patience and self-compassion.

Britney Thomas
Britney Thomas

Britney Thomas (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and a graduate of California Baptist University. She is known for having a genuine concern for her clientele and being able to relate to people regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious creed. She has extensive experience in assisting clients in building both their internal and external resources as well as aiding parents in improving their connection to their children. She also has a passion for those who have experienced spiritual trauma. She believes that each person is unique and complex; therefore, she prides herself on collaborating with her clients to ensure they receive care that suits them and will equip them to thrive in their individual circumstances.

Brittney Cannizzaro
Brittney Cannizzaro

Brittney Cannizzaro (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2023 from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University as well as a Masters in Student Development Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014.  Brittney strives to create a therapeutic space of warmth and safety for clients and their vulnerabilities.  She deeply believes in the bravery required to actively work towards healing- honoring the unique process and pace of each client while encouraging grace and compassion throughout. Brittney has worked in higher education settings with college students for over a decade and is most passionate about working with young adults, adults and couples of diverse backgrounds.

Jess Sunio
Jess Sunio

Jess Sunio (she/her) is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who earned a Masters in Clinical Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. Known for her warm and approachable demeanor, Jess creates an environment that fosters connection and growth. Grounded in strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches, she offers a safe space for clients to explore their unique narratives and feel courageous in their therapeutic journey. As an advocate for social justice and multicultural awareness, she addresses and validates systemic issues that may impact mental health and well-being. Jess has experience working with individuals of various ages and backgrounds and enjoys collaborating with young adults and adults to navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals.

Natalie Janji
Natalie Janji

Natalie Janji is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who earned her Masters in Counseling and Bachelors in Chemistry from Loyola Marymount University. She provides culturally-inclusive counseling within a warm environment, helping clients to dive deeply into their personal journey and healing. Her clinical interests include providing trauma-informed psychotherapy for adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, body image issues, depression, and self-esteem challenges. Natalie approaches therapy through a place of non-judgment and unconditional support. Natalie is a bilingual therapist and can provide therapy in Western Armenian. 

Becky SchrummLara Mekhitarian