Family Systems Often Reel From the Disclosure of Sexual Trauma
Sexual trauma is the most common trauma many clinicians address in counseling. Whenever one partner's sexual trauma wounds begin to surface in a relationship, dysfunction often results. Family systems often reel from the after effects of this trauma whenever it is disclosed, throwing everyone into grief and trauma responses.

In order for survivors to heal effectively from the trauma, empowering them and their support network (spouse/partner, parents, best friend) is critical. There must also be recognition that those who love and support the survivor are grieving and experiencing triggers as well. Ms. Bradley-Ball presents a step-by-step approach for helping the survivor choose and develop the appropriate support "team," and educating, supporting, and stabilizing all involved throughout the grieving process.

Empower families to be important allies for loved ones who seek healing from the wounds of sexual trauma.

Course Content

A. Defining Trauma and the Impact on a Couple
B. Educating the Family About Trauma
C. The Essential Elements to Empower the Family to be an Ally
  1. What families must know to become a healing alliance
  2. Choosing an effective support “team”
  3. Determining the best educational setting
  4. Individual: pros and cons
  5. Psycho-educational class: pros and cons
  6. Survivor partner group: pros and cons
D. Helping the Couple (Re)Establish Safety
E. Helping the Couple Rebuild or Deepen Trust and Intimacy
F. Dealing with Triggers for Both People
  1. Developing the map
  2. Developing the intimacy commitment
  3. Managing the commitment over time
G. The Grieving Time: Help Both People Grieve the Losses Caused by the Trauma
H. “How Long is This Going to Take?”
I. Boundaries and Contact (or not) When the Offender is a Part of the Family
J. Restoring Life as a Couple Post-Acute Grief
K. Special Issues
  1. When both partners have trauma histories
  2. When a partner is sexually addicted