How To Heal From Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that often has long-lasting effects on survivors.
Healing from sexual abuse is, more often than not, a difficult and complex process — But it is possible with the right tools and support.
We’d like to note that you should never be made to feel ashamed or guilty surrounding the sexual abuse you’ve undergone. No matter how old you were, or your emotional or physical condition, sexual abuse is never your fault.
We offer the following steps to healing from sexual trauma or abuse so you can navigate your feminine power unguarded and open to trusting again.
Talk About Your Experience
Talking about your experience is an important step in healing from sexual abuse.
It’s difficult to share your story with others, but it’s also incredibly empowering. By allowing yourself to feel your emotions and share thoughts surrounding your abuse, you can release them from your mind, thus initiating your healing journey.
Find a trusted friend or family member you feel comfortable talking with. If you feel anxious about revealing too much information, consider seeing a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with survivors of sexual abuse. They can provide a safe and supportive space for you to process your feelings and experiences.
Connect With Your Support System
Connecting with your support system is essential in healing from sexual abuse.
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support you. This includes friends, family, therapists, support groups, or advocacy organizations. Having a support system can help you feel less alone and provide you with the resources you need to heal.
While dealing with sexual abuse is a difficult process, don’t isolate yourself in these times of distress. You have a plethora of people who love and care about your well-being — reach out.
Take Control
Taking control of your healing process can become empowering.
Setting boundaries with people who trigger you, making time for self-care, and finding ways to express yourself creatively gives you control over your future, and peace of mind.
It’s important to remember that healing from sexual abuse is a journey, and it’s okay to take things at your own pace.
Incorporate A Tantra Meditation Practice
Exploring Tantra is a powerful tool in the healing journey from sexual abuse. Tantra is an ancient practice that emphasizes connecting with the body, breath, and energy to cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy and self-awareness. It’s a powerful way to heal from the trauma of sexual abuse by reconnecting with the body in a positive and healing way.
Tantra includes practices like breathwork, meditation, and physical touch. It’s important to approach Tantra with an open mind and to find a teacher or practitioner who is experienced in working with survivors of sexual abuse.
Tantra can help you reclaim your sexuality in a safe and empowering way. It fosters a greater sense of intimacy with both yourself and others and helps you develop a healthy connection with your body while healing through the trauma you experienced.
It’s important to remember that Tantra is not a replacement for therapy or other professional support. It’s meant to be a complementary tool to support the healing process.
Nurture Your Needs
Nurturing your needs includes taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
This can look different for everyone, but some examples include:
getting enough sleep
exercising regularly
eating well
engaging in activities that bring you joy
Keep in mind that recovering from sexual abuse is a process that can take some time. It's acceptable to seek professional help and to go at your own pace. And while it may not feel like it now, it is possible to recover from the trauma of sexual assault.
Set Goals
Setting realistic goals is helpful in the healing process.
This can include small steps such as attending a therapy session or trying a new self-care practice, setting up a meditation schedule, or reaching out to a friend.
Setting goals can help you stay motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment.
It’s important to remember that healing is not a linear process, and there may be setbacks along the way. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small
Whole Healing Starts With A Holistic Approach
When working through what happened to you, one of the most important aspects is understanding your own body and building deeper connections with yourself.
This is a crucial step in overcoming the trauma of sexual abuse because it helps to reestablish a healthy relationship with your own body and sexuality.
It's important to note that trauma is stored in the body, even if your mind may not fully remember the events. Work on relaxing your body and releasing any tension or tightness that may be blocking emotional healing.
Overall, healing from sexual abuse requires a holistic approach that involves addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yourself. It's essential to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling, and to take steps toward self-care and self-love. With time, patience, and support, it's possible to heal and move forward from the trauma of sexual abuse. Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your healing journey.
To learn about healthy sexual healing, we invite you to listen to our podcast episode — Sexual Healing: Exploring Intimacy Through Tantra
