Tip for Sexual Abuse Survivors on Building Self-Esteem:Interview with Psychotherapist Patti Geier
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a psychotherapist in private practice in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I decided that I wanted to be a therapist as a teenager. In college I, along with a group of seven other women, started a Women's Center at Brooklyn College that included free Peer Counseling. After graduate school, I worked at an LGBTQ therapy center until expanding my practice to full-time."
What type of impact does sexual abuse have on someone's overall well-being?
"Survivors of sexual abuse struggle with a number of issues such as self-esteem, trust, and sexuality. Sexual abuse is a traumatic violation. It is common for survivors to experience symptoms of PTSD. Relationships can be challenging for survivors for these reasons."
What are some tips for sexual abuse survivors on building self-esteem ?
"The first thing a survivor can do to help boost their self esteem is to know that they are not responsible for the sexual abuse. Many people believe they did something to cause the abuse. Feelings of low self esteem along with guilt, shame, and self-blame keep the person from getting help. Sexual abuse brings up many conflicting and complex feelings that can lead the survivor to feel in some way responsible for being abused. The dynamic of sexual abuse, especially when it involves a family member or loved one, makes it a very insidious crime. Engage in self-constructive behaviors, such as eating well, exercising, and growth-producing activities you enjoy. Surround yourself with friends who support and care about you; trustworthy people who encourage you to feel good about yourself."
What type of professional help is available for a sexual abuse survivor who could use a boost in their self-esteem?
"Psychotherapy can be enormously helpful. The therapist can support and help the person understand and, hopefully, believe they are in no way responsible. They did not cause the abuse. They did not have the control, even if it feels like they did. Therapy can help someone work through intimacy issues so a healthy relationship with another human being is possible. The safety of the therapeutic relationship can aid in these goals.
Groups are another form of support for survivors. Groups specifically for survivors can be quite healing and help the survivor feel less alone."
What last words would you like to leave for a sexual abuse survivor?
" Reach out and find the help that is out there for you. Don't allow guilt and shame to keep you quiet. You are not alone. Many, many people have suffered the repercussions of sexual abuse."
Thank you Patti for doing the interview on tips for sexual abuse survivors on building self esteem. For more information on Patti Geier or her work you can visit her website at www.pattigeier.com .
Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5796524/how_to_stop_being_a_victim_of_verbal.html?cat=5">How to Stop Being a Victim of Verbal Abuse
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5723160/how_to_forgive_an_abusive_parent.html?cat=5">How to Forgive An Abusive Parent
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5697982/how_to_overcome_the_memories_of_childhood.html?cat=25">How to Overcome Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Published by Jaleh
JALEH holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling. She is the book author of Making Marriage a Success and Life's Little How to Book which can be... View profile
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