Sexual Abuse or Assault

Many people I work with have experienced childhood sexual abuse. If specific memories are not available, we work with felt sense and any memories that may present as we do the work. Treatment modalities include EMDR, focused mindfulness, Ego State/parts work and embodied skills practices.

Many clients that I see have experienced sexual abuse or assault within their relationships or in childhood and these experiences become a focus of the trauma processing work that we do together. I have also completed the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs Therapist Core training and implement this with my clients.

I have worked with hundreds of clients who have experienced sexual abuse/assault. I have seen countless clients experience complete healing from these violations.

I have specialized training in working with survivors of sexual assault, and I have volunteered as an advocate for a sexual assault hotline. In my private practice, I have also contracted with agencies that provide free therapy for survivors of sexual assault.

Majority of my caseload in the last 5 years have been sexually abused or assaulted by a family member, friend or stranger. I work with these clients diligently to help resolve negative thoughts (“it’s my fault) and feelings (“I feel numb all over”) to get back to feeling happy again. You are stronger than you think and I’m here to make you realize that.

I evaluate individuals accused (true or false allegations) of sexual abuse or assault, including child sexual abuse. I prepare comprehensive, detailed reports for defense attorneys, court officials, probation and parole officers, etc. I am especially passionate about turning around false sexual abuse allegations. When the allegations are correct, I look for mitigating circumstances, and I conduct risk assessments to help determine if the accused is a good candidate for probation or parole. I also provide treatment for actual sex offenders. I prepare very detailed, comprehensive evaluations in these cases and I am prepared to testify in court to back up my findings and recommendations.

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.

I was trained in a trauma therapy called Rapid Resolution therapy that is very helpful in treatment for those who have experienced sexual abuse/ assault.

James Foley LCSW 60 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10165 www.sexuallycompulsive.com

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.

As a survivor myself, I understand the painful road to healing sexual violence causes. In order to approach healing, clients must go at their own pace in a safe environment where they feel the freedom to do so. This is what I work hard to provide by applying my knowledge on trauma in the body, the depression and major anxiety sexual violence can cause, and how to begin to rebuild ourselves through processing and skill-building together.

I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and trauma - whether this occurred during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and was a one-time or ongoing assault. I have helped children and young adults disclose sexual abuse to family members, survivors of all ages address and process past sexual trauma(s), and clients work through recent/current sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse can have an impact on almost every aspect of a person's functioning. It is sometimes hard to start the work to heal from sexual abuse, but our work together will assist you in discovering a life beyond the sexual abuse.

I am a certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR can look very different from traditional talk therapy. I work to integrate talk therapy processing and EMDR together. It is considered the “gold standard” treatment for traumatic episodes and PTSD. Evidence shows it is also effective in the treatment of: phobias, philias, addiction, grief and loss, attachment disorders, depression, anxiety, etc. My niche' is sexual trauma combining my two specialties.

We appreciate how challenging, complicated, and vulnerable working with those who've been abused (sexually, physically, verbally, mentally). Every single clinician in our practice has specialized training in working through trauma and abuse and paces it in a way that fosters safety, compassion, awareness, and sensitivity. We offer many ways to process trauma like EMDR, Trainspotting, Somatic Work, Parts Work, and more.

I have years of experience working with trauma and related disorders I am trained in EMDR, EFT, DBT, ACT and Clinical Hypnosis my intervention program is designed to address relationships, life stages and life changes from an integrative perspective affirmation guided imaginary meditation anger management psychoeducation on communication skills and coping skills The program is directed to individuals presenting PTSD, sexual trauma, and eating disorders

Working with sexual trauma includes building a relationship and a therapeutic environment that can help clients feel the range of under-processed and calcified feelings stored within their bodies, including grief, pain (both physical and psychic), anger, and shame. I help clients understand what is happening in their nervous systems and bodies when triggered, and begin to build present-moment resources which foster a connected, trusting, fortified relationship with their bodies.

I am a Certified Trauma Specialist (CCTS-I) with expertise in supporting survivors of sexual abuse and assault. I use trauma-focused approaches like EMDR, CBT, and DBT to help clients process their experiences, rebuild self-trust, and heal. My compassionate care fosters resilience and lasting recovery.