Learn How to Feel Safe in Your Body Again
You Are Not Alone in Your Journey
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a courageous step. Whether you experienced sexual abuse as a child or sexual assault as an adult, sexual trauma can leave deep wounds that affect every part of your life: your relationships, your sense of self, how safe you feel in your own body, and your ability to trust. But healing is possible, and you deserve to reclaim your life.
As a somatic trauma specialist based in San Diego, I offer sexual trauma therapy in a safe, supportive space where survivors can reconnect with their bodies, process what happened at their own pace, and rebuild a sense of safety. You never have to share more than you’re ready to. My approach combines evidence-based somatic therapy with deep compassion, helping you gently release pain and reclaim your sense of self.
Understanding Sexual Trauma
Understanding the Impact
Sexual trauma doesn't end when the abuse or assault does. Whether it happened in childhood or adulthood, its effects can ripple through your entire life.
Treatable with therapy?
Yes
Therapy Models:
Internal Family Systems, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, Brainspotting, Neurofeedback, Compassionate Inquiry, EMDR
Related Conditions:
PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Attachment Trauma, Eating Disorders, Phobias
Signs & Symptoms of Sexual Trauma
Difficulty trusting others or forming close bonds
Feeling unsafe, numb, or triggered during physical or sexual intimacy
Shame, guilt, and self-blame
Dissociation or feeling disconnected from your body
Flashbacks, intrusive memories, or feeling constantly on edge
Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
Recommended Treatment Models for Sexual Trauma
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
If you’ve ever seen Inside Out, you may have an idea of how Internal Family Systems (IFS) works. IFS recognizes that we all have different “parts.” After sexual trauma, some parts carry the pain, shame, or fear, while others work hard to protect you from it. Rather than pushing any part away, IFS helps you understand and care for each one, so the wounded parts can heal and you can feel whole again.
Brainspotting
After sexual trauma, the body can start to feel like a crime scene, a place that holds danger rather than safety. Brainspotting uses points in your field of vision, called “brainspots,” to access trauma held deep in the brain and body, allowing the body to finally process what happened and truly heal. As your nervous system releases the trauma, your brain can rewire for safety, and your body can become a place you feel safe living in again. Because it doesn’t depend on talking through every detail, it’s also a gentle option for survivors who find it hard to put their experience into words.
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy
For survivors of sexual trauma, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy can support a safe reconnection with the body while helping painful memories lose their grip. As shame gives way to self-acceptance and internal wounds heal, clients often develop greater capacity for healthy relationships and authentic connection.
This approach offers a unique pathway to healing sexual trauma at a deep, neurobiological level.
What to Expect
Your Path to Healing From Sexual Trauma
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Step One
Your first step in sexual trauma therapy is a short, one-on-one consultation with me. This gives us a chance to get to know each other, and gives you a sense of whether I’m the right fit for you, with no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. From there, I can recommend the therapy approach that best fits your needs.
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Step Two
Based on your unique needs, I’ll walk you through the treatment options I believe will help you most, so you can make an informed choice about your care. We can also combine multiple approaches, tailoring treatment to your nervous system’s needs.
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Step Three
Healing takes the time it takes. Some clients work with me for a few months, others for a few years. Whatever the duration, we’ll move at a pace that feels safe for you, and you’ll always be in control of what we explore. My commitment is that your experience will be comfortable, confidential, and led with compassion.
Meet Shay
Hi, I’m Shay 👋 I work with the mind, body, and brain, bringing a variety of skills that allow you to work with trauma in the way you need. Whether it is EMDR, Brainspotting, Compassionate Inquiry, Somatic therapy, Neurofeedback, IFS, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy or other trauma-informed practices, we will work so you can find relief without it feeling scary or too hard. For survivors, sexual trauma therapy with me means healing at your own pace, in a space where your body and your boundaries are always respected.
When therapy is working, you’ll start to notice meaningful shifts: feeling more present in your body, less on guard, and kinder toward yourself. Over time, the shame and fear you’ve been carrying can begin to soften. What happened to you is part of your story, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Together, let’s help you feel safe in your body and in your life again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Choose Me?
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Your body is keeping the score of what happened to you, but I can help you move through the past and become present.
✓ Body-Centered Approach: Move beyond talk therapy with proven somatic techniques to process trauma where it’s held.
✓ Safe & Non-Judgmental: Your nervous system sets the pace. No forced reliving, just compassionate, trauma-informed care.
✓ San Diego-Based Support: Telehealth in San Diego and all across California.
✓ Sexual Trauma Expertise: Specialized, compassionate care for survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. - The Science of Healing
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My approach is grounded in the latest research on trauma and the nervous system. I understand that:
- Your brain adapted to survive: The symptoms you experience were once protective mechanisms.
- Healing happens in safety: A safe therapeutic relationship helps your nervous system learn that the danger is over.
- Your body holds wisdom: Integrating mind and body is essential for complete healing.
- You are the expert on your experience: Therapy is collaborative, honoring your pace and choices.
- Our Specialized Approach
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My approach to sexual trauma therapy uses evidence-based treatments designed specifically for survivors:
- Neurofeedback: Uses audio and visual feedback to train your brain.
- Somatic Experiencing: Addresses trauma stored in the body.
- Brainspotting: Uses your field of vision to access the deep parts of the brain where trauma is stored.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): Heals different parts of yourself with compassion.
- EMDR: Helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming.
- Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy: Supports deep healing and reconnection with the body.
- Will I Have to Talk About What Happened?
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You control what you share and when. Healing doesn’t require recounting every detail. We’ll work at your pace and focus on what feels manageable.
- What If I Can't Remember Everything That Happened?
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Memory gaps are common after sexual trauma, whether it happened in childhood or adulthood. We can work with whatever shows up in session, whether it is a body sensation, part of a memory, or just a feeling about a person. We don’t create false memories; we simply work with whatever is showing up for you.
- I'm worried about being judged or not believed.
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Your experience is valid, regardless of the circumstances: whether it happened in childhood or adulthood, whether you knew the person, whether you froze, or whether you never told anyone. My role is to support you, not to judge or question your truth.
Find Your Way Back to Yourself
If you’re carrying the weight of sexual trauma, you deserve compassionate support from someone who truly sees you. Book your free 15-minute consultation with me today.