Counseling Services
Sexual assault and sexual abuse are difficult subjects to talk
about. For those who are victims and survivors of sexual assault,
healing and moving past the trauma into a sense of strength and
well being can depend on the freedom to speak, in open and honest
communication with others, and to be heard, believed, and supported.
Emotional injury is a major part of sexual assault and requires
special attention to heal, just as the physical health needs attention
to heal. Talking to a knowledgeable and sensitive counselor who
knows the trauma of sexual assault and understands the challenges
of recovery can help you deal with feelings, make decisions, and
get your life back on track.
The recovery from sexual assault can be immense. The journey to
heal may be frightening and uncomfortable; the steps, long and wearisome.
Through building bridges of awareness and empowerment, woman and
men who have experienced sexual violence can encounter being heard
and begin to heal.
The journey to recovery often starts with awareness and understanding.
Awareness and understanding not only of what sexual violence is,
but its effects and impacts on many areas (spirit, soul, emotions,
feelings, psyche, body) of the person. Sexual violence may have
the roots of power, control, and fear, but through support, encouragement,
and nurturing empowerment can develop and grow. It is amazing the
strength and empowerment survivors develop and build with support
and encouragement.
Each sexual assault is unique. Sexual assault is an intrusive act
upon one's physical and sexual boundaries. Therefore, any sexual
contact without consent is sexual assault.
Counseling Services offered through Arise
Arise offers individual and group counseling provided by master's
level therapists. The counseling staff provides services with their
expertise based on education, training and especially on learning
from their work with other survivors. Arise counseling is committed
to services, a knowledgeable and caring staff, and a respectful
environment that honors confidentiality and privacy. Counselors
focus specifically on sexual trauma issues, and work with the many
areas of life in which sexual trauma can have an impact.
Individual Counseling
Counseling is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the
client. Client and therapist work together to determine the client's
specific treatment goals. Our therapists provide services in a supportive,
respectful, and sensitive manner based on a philosophy that emphasizes
client self-empowerment and dignity.
Group Counseling
Survivors of sexual assault or abuse often find it helpful to join
a support group. Research has shown that group counseling is one
of the most effective ways to work through issues surrounding sexual
assault and sexual abuse. Groups provide a confidential and supportive
environment for members as they seek to identify the areas of their
lives that have been affected by a sexual assault, regardless of
time elapsed. These groups are intended to help survivors gain further
knowledge and understanding of the effects of sexual assault in
their lives and to find support in a safe confidential environment..
Click
here for more information.
All services at the Arise
are free of charge. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused,
you have the right to respectful and confidential care. For more
information about counseling services or to schedule an appointment,
please call (575) 226-4665 or email counseling@arisenm.org .
It does not matter how long ago the violation occurred. The abuse/assault
may have been recent or may have occurred in the distant past. We
know that survivors of sexual violations often feel the effects
of the violations for an extended period of time afterwards. We
do not limit how long after an assault a survivor may request services.
Scheduling
If you are interested in individual or group therapy at Arise
please call (575) 226-4665 or email counseling@arisenm.org to request or set up an appointment.
Important Things to Remember
It is important that you take care of yourself following a sexual
assault. Listed below are some important things for taking care
of yourself.
•Seek support of family, friends, teachers, therapists, hotlines,
anyone that you feel that you can trust when you need it. You are
not alone.
•Eat healthy food and get exercise. This will help you keep
up your strength and is a good way to help your body process what
has happened.
•Be patient with yourself. Your recovery will take time.
•Do things that you enjoy. This might be the things that you
have always done to relax, or finding something new.
•Be familiar with your resources.
•Trust and believe in yourself.
Myths and Truths about Sexual Assault
There are certain myths about sexual assault that perpetuate the
blame being placed on the survivor. In many cases, to move from
victim to survivor one must debunk these myths and attribute the
blame where it belongs.
Download this list of myths
and truths about sexual assault.
Suggestions Toward Recovery
Download this sheet that contains suggestions
toward the pathway to recovery.
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