Sexual Abuse therapists in Saint Paul, Minnesota MN

Sexual abuse often creates very painful symptoms and is something for which I use a therapy called Prolonged Exposure (PE). In this therapy, we will revisit traumatic situations, process painful emotions, and change unhelpful beliefs about yourself and the world around you as a result of your trauma. People are often amazed at how quickly this treatment can work and by the very meaningful change that can result. For these reasons, this is one of my favorite treatments to provide.  

Over the past six years I have worked with individuals that are survivors, victims, and offenders of sexual abuse. In these areas, I have assisted clients through their traumas of their abuse. I have also worked with challenging behaviors of those that have offended, and identified roots behind their offending behaviors.  

Experiences of sexual abuse and other sexuality traumata are a visceral violation of you as a person. They can leave you not only feeling ashamed and guilty but also physically stuck in a state of feeling trapped. Used polyvagal-based neural interventions, Shelly will work with you to restore a felt sense of safety. She can guide you through healing from additional wounding caused by people saying you should have done something to get away. Shelly will help you understand that, biologically, your body has an automatic instinct to collapse and cooperate in a last resort attempt of survival. Unfortunately, it can lead your system to stay stuck in a state of disconnection, going through motions. Mind-body therapies can help you restore your sense of self and a felt sense of safety so you can fully engage in life.  

This trauma is very, very painful and it can be a long process to healing. I use EMDR as a therapy tool to work through the trauma and diminish the heightened feelings and triggers abuse survivors experience.  

When the foundation of trust shaken (if not feeling broken) through experiences of trauma, the approach to restoring one's life must always be one of sensitivity, patience, and compassion. Without this, there will always be a risk that it will never feel safe enough to heal.