Self Healing for survivors of sexual violence
gwendolyn@lovingself.net | 802-879-2706
By Gwendolyn Evans
This is an article I wrote for the Vermont Center for Crime Victims Services - web site: http://www.ccvs.state.vt.us/.
Sexual violence is an event that takes a person far outside of their inner self, leaving deep wounds upon the soul. Whether trauma occurred from childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault in adulthood, the emotional and spiritual scars are profound.
In the midst of dealing with and healing from the trauma, the spiritual aspect of healing sometimes is ignored. An innovative new workshop, designed and facilitated by Gwendolyn Evans, takes a spiritual approach to the healing process. The Women’s Rape Crisis Center of Burlington, sponsored this mid-winter series entitled, "Considering the Uses of Adversity: Self Healing for Survivors of Sexual Violence."
This series was intended for women survivors who have had some foundation of therapy/support, and who were looking for a spiritual approach to the healing process. It provided a safe, supportive place for participants to help reclaim for themselves pieces that were left behind, and take a closer look at what might have been gained from trauma. Survivors can often learn hidden, inner lessons about themselves and the world around them from the trauma and crisis of sexual assault. This series was based on the premise that survivors are stronger than they realize, but haven’t had the opportunity to look within for their strength.
This series teaches alternative methods and tools for coping with the ongoing issues of being a survivor. Groups are immediately introduced to the Emotional Freedom Techniques, which is a body centered approach to clearing away emotion or energy blockages. Other tools include discussion, exercises, journaling, and guided meditation. Participants learn to develop a deeper inner relationship with themselves and begin a path of self discovery. This is a healing journey in which people can shed the victim and survivor roles to arrive at wholeness.
Gwendolyn Evans is a therapist, spiritual facilitator, motivational speaker and writer. Ms. Evans is a former victim advocate, who left the field to pursue a private practice in alternative healing and spiritual counseling. She conducts workshops on self empowerment, and has extensive experience working with victims of abuse, people facing health challenges, disabilities, and personal struggles. For more information about these workshops or other services, contact Ms. Evans at 802-879-2706 or eby mail her at: gwendolyn@lovingself.net
© 2002 Gwendolyn Evans
