Sexual Abuse

About 43% of men and 81% of women in the United States experience a form of sexual assault or harassment during their lifetimes. If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse and need help overcoming this traumatic experience, see the experts at Healing Moon in Northfield, New Jersey. Paulina Gastelum, LCSW, offers holistic treatments that optimize your healing journey. Schedule an appointment at Healing Moon by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. 

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual contact. It’s characterized by unwelcome behaviors that are sexual in nature and take place without consent by force, manipulation, coercion, or intimidation.

Numerous forms of sexual abuse exist, such as rape, incest, molestation, and sexual violence. All forms of sexual abuse can be traumatic and benefit from mental health care. If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse, treatment at Healing Moon can help you heal and overcome trauma in a healthy manner.

What are the complications of sexual abuse?

Unwanted sexual misconduct may result in:

• Physical injuries
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Pregnancy
• Mental health conditions
• Missing school or work
• Safety issues
• Physical health problems
• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance misuse
• Difficult interpersonal relationships 

Sexual abuse is a form of trauma that takes time to recover from. Therapy at Healing Moon can enhance your recovery, helping you rediscover confidence, joy, and better mental well-being. 

What should I do if I’ve been sexually abused?

If you’ve been sexually abused, tell someone and call the authorities. You’ll also complete a sexual assault medical forensic exam with a qualified provider.

Schedule an evaluation with Paulina at Healing Moon to begin your mental health recovery journey. 

How can I heal after being sexually abused?

After reporting sexual abuse, see Paulina for a mental health evaluation. She discusses your past trauma, emotions, moods, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Using DSM-5 criteria, Paulina also screens for related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression. 

Healing Moon offers the following holistic treatments to aid in recovery after sexual abuse:

• Individual therapy
• Family therapy 
• Group therapy 
• Anxiety and stress management 
• Trauma-informed care
• Coping skills support
• Personal growth mechanisms 
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Anger management
• Reiki
• Yoga

It’s helpful to eat a balanced diet, stay active, get plenty of sleep, and practice stress-reducing techniques (such as deep breathing and meditation) at home between sessions at Healing Moon. 

Follow up with Paulina as often as necessary to overcome sexual trauma, rediscover joy, regain hope, and thrive in everyday situations.

Schedule therapy after sexual abuse by calling the Healing Moon office or booking an appointment online today.