Sexual Abuse or Assault

Sexual trauma is one of the most painful traumas as it's often surrounded by so much shame and self-blame that it can take a very long time to reach out for help. As someone who has worked at sexual assault agencies in Boulder, CO, San Antonio, TX and San Francisco, CA as well as treating trauma in my counseling practice, I have seen first hand the wide spread pain and havoc that sexual trauma causes. The good news is that relief from your pain is possible and freedom is within reach.

Sexual abuse ravages the capacity for joy, the ability to love freely, to rest, and to live in the present, and feel comfortable in your own body, and for many with their sexuality. This is compounded by the complicit silence of our society. Though 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have suffered sexual trauma by age 18. Survivors find few are willing to walk with them in their suffering. Many want you to "get over it," yet the effects last a lifetime. I seek to offer a space of kindness where your

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.

I have worked with survivors of sexual trauma for over a decade, both as a therapist and as a community based advocate. I recognize the unique challenges healing from sexual based trauma, and believe that building a unique treatment plan for you and your individual needs is essential when creating a working partnership with your therapist.

Over the last ten years I have sought additional training in trauma, with particular focus on working with survivors of sexual assault. I previously worked in a rape crisis center and volunteered with RAINN for several years. My goal in addressing your sexual trauma is to help you move toward empowerment in your body, relationships, and in the world.

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 found great fulfillment in my work with people who have engaged in risky or abusive sexual behaviors. I am passionate about preventing sexual abuse in our society and have found my professional niche in working with those who have engaged in such behaviors or who find themselves trying to managing concerning desires and attractions. I pride myself in my compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to my work. I see people, not behaviors and look forward to supporting you in your journey.

I have experience working with male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the confusing consequences of this unique type of abuse. Often, male survivors of sexual abuse struggle with intimacy, relationships, perfectionism, codependency, identity, dissociation, self sabotage, and overall boundary complications across different relationships. I can support you in the process of developing a treatment plan and following through to address your individual concerns step by step.

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

In addition to working clinically with survivors of sexual abuse and assault, I am a Staff Trainer for MVP Strategies, a gender violence prevention program founded by Jackson Katz, PhD., utilizing the Bystander Approach. I have worked for over 10 years training individuals in the US Military, the entertainment industry, college and university athletic programs, and community groups to recognize and intervene in sexual violence in their immediate cultural contexts.

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.

Kim takes a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approach to support clients who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Creating a safe, affirming space, Kim helps clients process trauma at their own pace, empowering them to regain agency. Using DBT, clients learn emotional regulation, mindfulness, and healthy coping strategies to manage triggers and rebuild trust, fostering resilience and healing.

In 2020, I started an online support group for sexual assault survivors, holding weekly group meetings and creating content on social media to help survivors feel less alone. This was one of my main inspirations for getting my Masters and becoming a therapist. I have helped many clients work through and process past trauma using a combination of somatic experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and nervous system regulation techniques.

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 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.

You've tried just forgetting it happened and moved on with your life, but at some point the past will begin to gnaw at you. Anxiety brings nightmares and flashbacks. You can't focus. You're questioning everything--who can you trust, was it your fault, was it really that bad, and how will you ever feel safe again? Sadness and anger follow you everywhere you go. Now's the time to reach out. You're not alone and we will work together so you can reclaim your life.

For over 24 years I worked for a local sexual violence response program providing services to adult and child survivors as well their family members and friends.

EMDR is a useful modality for people who are experiencing symptoms caused by traumatic events like sexual abuse and sexual assault. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can also be useful for sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors because it teaches strategies to become more mindful of the present moment, cope with painful emotions in safe and healthy ways, and establish healthy boundaries and communicate effectively with others.