Beyond Recovery to Restoration Rebecca Born, LISW Executive Director, Connections: A Safe Place rborn1@fuse.net www.connectionssp.org
This program is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the counsel or treatment of a licensed therapist.
Restoration Let each become all he was created capable of being. Thomas Carlyle
http://sexualabusesupport.onehealth.com/
Sculpture by Dean Kermit Allison
Yes, We Can talk about this! • I BELIEVE YOU CAN HAVE THIS DISCUSSION • What I’ll talk about tonight: – Issues within sexual intimacy – Truth about physical needs/reactions – Managing Flashbacks – Initial steps to regain freedom in sex
At War with your body • In an Ideal world • What a sex abuse victim learns about his/her body
Sex is not just about sex Sex is rape. Sex is a price I pay. Sex is enmeshed.
How does this play out? Sexualizing relationships Touch/Flashbacks Seductiveness
How it plays out (cont.) Distorts Intimacy Shut down Aversion
Restoring Sexual Freedom In the moment. As a Process: • Becoming Aware • Taking Responsibility • Learning Again Be gentle with yourself!
Why do this hard work? • Deepest need to be in relationship. • You DESERVE this freedom.
This month at VH – Our Community February 11 Svava: Relationships/Partners Feb. 18 Rebecca: More about sexuality? Feb. 25 Svava: What about love?