SEXUAL ABUSE

Experiencing sexual abuse can deeply affect how you see yourself, your body, and the world around you. It can leave you feeling unsafe, disconnected or unsure who to trust – even long after the abuse has ended. Many people carry the effects in silence, believing that should be “over it” by now, or that what what happened wasn’t serious enough to matter. But it matters. What happened was not your fault, and you deserve care, respect and healing.

Sexual abuse is a profound violation of boundaries and trust. It can happen in many forms – through coercion, manipulation or force – and it can occur at any age. However it happened, it is never okay, and your pain is valid.

Understanding What’s Happening

The effects of sexual abuse can be complex and far-reaching, touching emotions, relationships, and the body’s sense of safety. Survivors often describe feeling both hyper-alert and numb, or caught between wanting closeness and fearing it.

You might notice:

• Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
• Feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame
• Difficulty trusting others or feling close in relationships
• Anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness
• Physical tension, pain or startle responses
• Avoidance of reminders or situations linked to the trauma

These are not signs of weakness – they are survival responses. Your body and mind are adapted to help you cope with something that should never of happened.

Working Together to Heal

Therapy provides a safe, confidential, and steady space to begin rebuilding a sense of safety – both within yourself and in the wrold around you. Healing happens at your pace. There is no rush, no expectation, and no judgement.

Together, we can:

• Help you understand trauma responses and how they show up in daily life
• Develop grounding and self-soothing tools to manage flashbacks and anxiety
• Gently process memories when you feel ready, so they no longer hold the same power. 
• Reconnect with your body, your emotions, and your sense of self
• Rebuild trust – in others, and most importantly in yourself

Healing from sexual abuse is not about forgetting; it’s about reclaiming your life from what was taken. It’s about rediscovering safety, voice, and worth – piece by piece, in a way that feels right for you.

There is Hope

Recovery is absolutely possible. With compassion, patience, and the right support, many survivors find a deep sense of peace, strength, and self-connection on the other side of healing.

You are not what happened to you. You are someone who survived – and with care and understanding, you can move toward a life grounded in safety, self-trust, and freedom.

Some symptoms may include

• C-PTSD
• PTSD
• Dissociative disorders
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• OCD
• Self harm
• Suicidal Ideation
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Hyper vigilance
• Relationship difficulties
• Self medication difficulties
• Insomnia

Criteria for this service
If you think you are struggling in some way and you would like to work to make the changes you want.

• If you have a diagnosis
• If you don’t have a diagnosis
• If you have multiple diagnosis
• You do not need a referral from your G.P.

Our privilege
It is our mission and our privilege to support you on your journey to recovery and to reach your goals. We are confident that together we can make a difference to your world and help you to live your life the way you want to live it. Imagine what your life would be like after therapy and the difference it would make to you. 

We help hundreds of people every year to be the best they can be. Please don’t suffer unnecessarily any longer, get in touch with us today and take the first step to make great things happen!

The legacy of sexual abuse leaves behind is treatable and recovery is possible.

Tel 07907613600
Email info@greymatterscentre.co.uk