A Toolbox for Healing

This is a support group for adults who have been sexually abused during childhood. The group meets once a week for 13 sessions and addresses the effects of the trauma, integrates new coping skills, and allows for processing of the abuse experience through discussion and expressive activities.

Ideally, a child who has been sexually abused has the opportunity to tell someone, be protected from further abuse, and begin a healing process promptly. If this does not happen, the child may carry the experience into adulthood. Feelings of confusion, sadness, fear, and anger may continue to affect the adult, causing low self-esteem, guilt, shame, and struggles with trust and intimacy. Relationships with partners, children, and family of origin may be difficult.

A wide range of survivor experiences may include:

• Little or no memory of the abuse
• Full memory of the abuse
• Told no one about the abuse
• Told someone and received a negative response
• Silence, secrecy, and/or isolation have grown heavier over the years

The counseling process can help clients to shift their viewpoint and dispel some of the negative messages. Counseling will provide:

• A safe and secure environment to express feelings
• A way to discover personal boundaries and set limits
• Validation and affirmation of feelings

All services are confidential and free of charge.

How to Get Help

Contact our 24-Hour Helplines for immediate assistance. Contact Robin Petersen at (209) 941-2611 for information about the “Toolbox for Healing” support group.

Robin Petersen
Sexual Assault Program Specialist
Women's Center of San Joaquin County
620 N. San Joaquin Street
Stockton, CA 95202
(209)941-2611
(209)941-4963 (fax)
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