Many studies now support the connection between trauma and the later development of sexual or pelvic pain in women. One population-based study of adult women found that sexual, physical and psychological abuse was linked to a four to six-fold increased risk of genital pain in adulthood (Harlow & Stewart, 2005). Another 2011 study found that teen girls suffering from genital pain reported … [Read more...] about Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain
PTSD & Trauma Related Disorders
How Institutional Betrayal Complicates Healing From Sexual Trauma
Recently there have been more stories in the media about sexual assault or other sexual crimes in which institutional betrayal has played a large role (for example: Jerry Sandusky sexual abuses, various college campus sexual assaults, rampant sexual assaults against women in the military, Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assaults and Larry Nassar’s sexual abuses). Institutional betrayal is when an … [Read more...] about How Institutional Betrayal Complicates Healing From Sexual Trauma
10 Need to Know Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
A range of experiences can be considered traumatic but do not necessarily meet the criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Big “T” trauma refers to events in which you thought yourself, or a loved one was going to be seriously harmed or die. Examples of Big “T” trauma include sexual assault, rape, combat trauma, serious vehicular accidents, serious medical events, surviving a physical … [Read more...] about 10 Need to Know Facts about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Postpartum PTSD
Many clinicians and doctors may confuse the symptoms of Postpartum PTSD with Postpartum Depression. While there may be some overlap in symptoms such as having difficulty bonding with the baby, feeling sad or having a low mood, loosing interest in activities once enjoyed, difficulty sleeping, and withdrawing socially, the importance between these two disorders is significant. In addition, the … [Read more...] about Postpartum PTSD
Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR Therapy
What Does “EMDR” Stand For? EMDR stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.” What is EMDR? EMDR is a type of therapy used to treat trauma related disorders and emotional distress caused by upsetting life experiences. EMDR uses standardized protocols with bilateral stimulation to facilitate the adaptive processing of traumatic experiences, allowing psychological healing to … [Read more...] about Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR Therapy