SEXUAL ABUSE

Effective treatment for sexual abuse is hampered and undermined in our culture by shame, stigma and denial. Sexual abuse has been termed "soul murder" and recovery from such a betrayal, especially by a family member or someone you trust, can be a lifelong process.

Problems with intimacy, substance abuse, PTSD symptoms and negative self-statements all serve to perpetuate the damage that was done when you were first abused. What the perpetrator(s) started will often continue, and you may find yourself unconsciously reinforcing many dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors that began as necessary coping strategies many years ago.

In my first sexual offender group, I was asked by a group member how I felt about doing therapy with "the scum of the earth" and my continuing work with this population provides me with an array of experience that most therapists never accumulate in a lifetime of practice. (see my article about this experience)

In the ongoing quest to stop sexual violence and the harm offenders do to others (and themselves), it is essential that sexual perpetrators receive effective treatment. As a trusted referral source for the adult and juvenile probation departments of Marin County, I have worked with hundreds of sexual offenders in group and individual treatment.

After more than 20 years of working with victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse and their families, I have seen how deeply this issue can affect your life.

Knowing both sides of the abuse dynamic, I have learned to see the shades of grey - the depth of the hurt for victims, the ongoing struggle to feel "normal," and the cognitive distortions and defensive strategies that offenders use to mask their shame and denial.

Most importantly, I have seen that there is hope and that both victims and perpetrators are able to make sense of their experience and move on to have healthy, productive lives.

CALL for a FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
415 - 453 - 2640
Kentfield, CA
gary@garylgross.com