BREAKING THE SILENCE

by Lara Mekhitarian

Following the chronicling of the “Me too” movement by Pulitzer Prize winning, Ronan Farrow, the millions of voices of sexual abuse and harassment survivors was harrowing. Sexual abuse. The words alone invoke shame, fear, anger, and disgust. However, for the first time in history, survivors began to speak up and bust through the stigma of shame. What followed was solidarity and a collective voice of men and women around the United States who finally broke free of their shackles of shame and owned their truth. 

The statistics of sexual abused by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center state that:

·     One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives

  • In the U.S., one in three women and one in six men experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime

  • 51.1% of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 40.8% by an acquaintance

  • 52.4% of male victims report being raped by an acquaintance and 15.1% by a stranger

  • Almost half (49.5%) of multiracial women and over 45% of American Indian/Alaska Native women were subjected to some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime

  • 91% of victims of rape and sexual assault are female, and nine percent are male

  • In eight out of 10 cases of rape, the victim knew the perpetrator

  • Eight percent of rapes occur while the victim is at work

Sexual abuse takes many forms and while sexual abuse happens frequently, the topic carries so much shame that it makes healing all the more difficult for the survivors. Speaking up, however, can be one of the best ways to face and recover from those experiences. 

Sexual abuse causes deep psychological wounds that are made worse by the fact that the damage to survivors is unseen. Survivors often experience lasting effects such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty trusting others and maintaining relationships. Additionally, survivors may experience difficulty concentrating, challenges with sleeping, flashbacks, intrusive memories, weight gain or weight loss, hyper-vigilance, avoidance, and disassociation. 

While the experience of trauma will never be forgotten, therapy can help survivors learn to manage the psychological and physical fallout of abuse by talking through the experience and learning techniques to regain control over the body. 

Trauma recovery includes understanding that the incident is over and in the past as well as understanding that it is possible to move forward in life without the effects of the trauma running the show. Some of the key ways to heal with trauma include:

  • Psychoeducation about trauma and the impact it has had on your mind and body

  • Learning coping strategies that can help you stay present, feel safe, and help emotionally regulate the ups and downs of the aftermath

  • Understanding the reason why you are the one left with the guilt and shame of someone else’s actions

  • Discovering the way trauma has impacted your body as well as your mind and developing ways to help you connect back to your body and help your body feel safe

  • Telling your story and understanding that you are a survivor 

  • Making meaning of these experiences and developing a new identity where trauma isn’t the core of you or your story

  • Thriving 

The key take away for survivors is to remember that they are just that—survivorsof a terrible incident who have made it through. 

One of the greatest resources out their for survivors is trauma therapy. Trauma therapy is about helping survivors realize that they are resilient and can be supported in their healing journey.  Trauma therapy is different in that the therapist is an expert at helping survivors regain their sense of control and help them learn to free themselves from an experience that has become the core identity of the survivor. Trauma therapy includes traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy to help heal the physical affects of trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and other treatment models designed to help in trauma recovery. 

The first step you can take is learning more about what resources are available to you and finding the right resource to help you cope, process, and heal. Take the chance and call a trauma specialist who can give you more information and help you discover what road to healing you want to take. Breaking the silence is just the first step. 

If you or a loved one have suffered from sexual abuse or harassment, please know that we are here to support you in your healing and recovery. Feel free to reach out to us anytime at Lara@HealTheHurt.com to let us help you break your silence.  

Featured
Emily Bartels
Emily Bartels

Emily Bartels (she/her) is a highly skilled and dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from California Baptist University. Emily is a compassionate and insightful clinician known for fostering meaningful therapeutic connections with her clients. She specializes in working with adolescents, couples, and individuals, guiding them through personal growth and transformation in both their internal and external worlds. With a strong foundation in client-centered and strengths-based therapy, Emily honors and validates each client’s unique story, empowering them to embrace their resilience and potential. Trained in trauma-informed care, she utilizes EMDR therapy to help clients heal from past experiences and overcome trauma. Emily’s ability to create a safe, supportive space allows clients to explore their emotions openly while building the skills necessary to thrive in all areas of life.

Tina Shameon
Tina Shameon

Tina Shameon, AMFT, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor’s in Public Health from California State University, Northridge. Fluent in Assyrian, Farsi, and Armenian, Tina provides culturally sensitive care, making her a valuable resource for Middle Eastern communities. Specializing in trauma recovery, life transitions, and relational stress, she offers compassionate therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relational conflicts. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma (CBT-Trauma), Tina focuses on helping clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop practical coping strategies. Her person-centered, strengths-based approach fosters a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to express themselves and explore new ways of relating to themselves and others. Tina’s holistic view of mental health, informed by her background in public health and mental health care, enables her to guide clients through life transitions and relational challenges, promoting personal growth and deeper connections. Passionate about walking alongside her clients on their healing journey, Tina is committed to helping them rediscover their strengths, navigate adversity, and achieve emotional well-being.

Natalie Holst
Natalie Holst

Natalie Holst is a seasoned therapist with specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She employs an integrative holistic approach to guide individuals through the exploration of their internal belief systems, relationship dynamics, life stressors, and the profound connection between mind and body. Natalie's expertise extends to addressing a broad spectrum of challenges, including PTSD, complex trauma, sexual identity exploration, anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship issues, personality disorders, and experiences of abuse and trauma.

Natalie is particularly dedicated to supporting individuals and couples in various aspects of their lives. She works with couples on communication issues, polyamory dynamics, family matters, and sexual issues within relationships. Additionally, she assists individuals in exploring their gender identity and sexual identity, providing a safe space for self-discovery and growth.

Her commitment also includes supporting those affected by complex relational trauma, performance anxiety, perfectionism, and LGBTQIA+  and BIPOC individuals navigating minority stress. Holding an MA in Clinical Psychology and an MBA from Pepperdine University, in addition to an MA in Strategic Marketing and Communications from IE Business School, Natalie draws from a robust relational and business background. Her training at Sentio Counseling Center and the Violence Intervention Program focused on Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-based therapies within underprivileged communities. Certified as a Reiki Master, pranayama breathwork teacher, and sound healer, Natalie brings a holistic perspective to her practice. She holds training certificates in traumatic stress studies and EFIT for Attachment Trauma.

Supervisor Lauren Thomas
Supervisor Lauren Thomas

Lauren Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, who owns and practices therapy at Therapy With LT in Los Angeles. Lauren was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, eventually pursuing her Bachelors in Psychology (with a minor in Women & Gender Studies) and Masters in Counseling Psychology within the Cal State System (CSU Fullerton and CSU Northridge, respectively).

Early on in her academic process, Lauren was passionate about focusing on couples, intimacy issues, and bridging the gap between cis women and sexual pleasure. Upon personally experiencing microaggression and systemic barriers for Black and Brown therapists in academia, she pivoted to providing specialized Trauma Informed care for Black and Brown femmes and any folks who identify with an intersectional oppressed experience.

Lauren practices from a stance of collaboration and respect, with the belief that all people have the capacity to grow and transform from a strong and empowering therapeutic relationship. Rooted in a feminist, anti-racist perspective, Lauren approaches client care acknowledging systemic barriers and factors impacting client’s well-being in addition to individual life factors. In her spare time, Lauren volunteers as advisor/mentor for college age women and students developing professional leadership skills and learning how to balance personal well-being with professional ambitions.

Supervisor Geri Lynn Cesar
Supervisor Geri Lynn Cesar

Bringing a wealth of experience in trauma-informed care from an intersectional feminist and collective care lens, Geri Lynn Cesar joins our team as a clinical supervisor, enriching our practice with a deeply empathetic and inclusive approach to therapy. With a commitment to meeting individuals where they are and fostering community support, Geri Lynn believes in the transformative power of therapeutic relationships in empowering individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship stress, and chronic illness. Drawing on years of experience in community mental health, including roles at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and volunteering for The Trevor Project, a LGBTQ+ teen suicide prevention lifeline, she is adept at providing affirming and compassionate care to diverse populations.

A graduate of Antioch University, Los Angeles with a Master's in Clinical Psychology specializing in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapy, Geri Lynn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. As an Adjunct Faculty member at Antioch University, she is deeply committed to education and mentorship, ensuring that our team remains culturally competent and responsive to the needs of our clients. Geri Lynn also provides consults and cultural competency trainings for organizations and corporations, further enhancing our team's ability to provide inclusive and affirming care. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team as a clinical supervisor, where their dedication to empowerment, inclusivity, and community support will undoubtedly enrich our practice and enhance the quality of care we provide to our clients.

 

Sandy Gordon
Sandy Gordon

Sandy Gordon is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who brings a wealth of compassion, care, and understanding to her clients. She recognizes how important it is to consider the many layers that impact our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Sandy's approach to therapy is rooted in person-centered/humanistic and EFT/attachment-based modalities, and she utilizes a holistic and culturally affirming perspective. Her ultimate goal is to help her clients move beyond shame, cultivate self-compassion and self-acceptance, create meaning, and find purpose. 
She is highly skilled in helping individuals navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, and existential concerns. Additionally, Sandy is fully trained in EMDR and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Moreover, Sandy is bilingual in Spanish and has a passion for integrating holistic forms of healing into her practice. No matter what challenges her clients face, Sandy is committed to helping them find hope, healing, connection, and transformation on their journey toward well-being.

Cece Wrenn
Cece Wrenn

Cece Wrenn (she/her), an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, brings a compassionate, grounded, and approachable presence to her practice. Dedicated to nurturing a safe and supportive environment, Cece ensures that clients feel empowered to explore their stories and embark on a journey of personal growth. Drawing from strength-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed approaches, she meets clients where they are, tailoring her methods to suit each individual's unique needs. Whether facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or life transitions, clients can expect warmth, encouragement, understanding, and curiosity while working with Cece. With experience working with diverse individuals of all ages and backgrounds, she has a particular passion for supporting adolescents, adults, and couples of all races, identities, and sexualities, fostering a space where everyone feels valued and understood. Cece pulls from many evidence-based therapeutic approaches, but mainly utilizes elements from CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, attachment, mindfulness-based and solution-focused techniques.

Sarah Im
Sarah Im

Sarah Im is an Associate Marriage/Couples and Family Therapist (AMFT) who earned her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. She has experience working with children, teens, adults, and families, who are dealing with relational stress, trauma, a wide range of diagnoses, or maneuvering through difficult life challenges. Sarah’s approach to therapy is person-centered, narrative, and trauma-informed, with an attachment and social justice focused lens. She is passionate about working collaboratively with the client and believes healing happens within the context of relationships with ourselves, others, and our world. She prioritizes offering clients an understanding and safe space to explore, process, and feel seen as they are.

Sandra Liu
Sandra Liu

Sandra Liu (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). She earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2021 from Pepperdine University.  Sandra is passionate about helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves and integrate mindfulness into their routines. Sandra has extensive experience and training in leading support groups and working with couples. She utilizes modalities rooted in person-centered, strength-based, and compassion-focused orientation. Sandra believes that happiness is an emotion that often leaves to help us grow; peace is often sustained through cultivating patience and self-compassion.

Britney Thomas
Britney Thomas

Britney Thomas (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and a graduate of California Baptist University. She is known for having a genuine concern for her clientele and being able to relate to people regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious creed. She has extensive experience in assisting clients in building both their internal and external resources as well as aiding parents in improving their connection to their children. She also has a passion for those who have experienced spiritual trauma. She believes that each person is unique and complex; therefore, she prides herself on collaborating with her clients to ensure they receive care that suits them and will equip them to thrive in their individual circumstances.

Becky SchrummLara Mekhitarian