Sexual trauma or sexual assault refers to any adverse sexual event we have experienced such as: a direct sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, incest, sexual harassment, hurtful sexual experiences of any kind that included physical pain or complete lack of choice in sex.

We are reminded that not only extreme events like rape are considered as a sexual trauma but also situations where a sexual experience was painful, or situations, that we agreed to do something in a sexual encounter that we were not whole with.

Sexual traumas and sexual assaults leave deep scars on the body and mind and affect our ability to indulge in pleasure, open the heart and bring peace to our relationships. Although each person will be impacted differently by a traumatic experience, there are still several parallel effects among people who have experienced emotional turmoil in a sexual and intimate context. For example, a violation of trust and the ability to surrender to an intimate emotional and sexual relationship; body hatred and negative body image; Self-directed anger and guilt for letting a person hurt us; pain, shame and guilt around sexual pleasure; a feeling of being cut off from sexuality; dissociation during sexual intercourse – a feeling that I am not completely in the body; a desire to die, suicidal thoughts, lack of appetite and challenges around healthy eating.

Entering the depths of the subconscious to heal conscious and unconscious painful memories of sexual trauma or sexual assault is not simple neither straightforward, hence it is crucial to be guided by a professional and specialized healer of sexual assault. It is pivotal to understand that without healing these painful events, they will continue to linger and lead our daily lives in innumerable ways, influencing our choices, our ability to make decisions and the degree of pleasant and healthy connection with our body, mind and our loved ones.

Sexual trauma can be likened to an emotional, sensory, and mental confluence that stores our perceptions and feelings that continue to affect us as long as they remain untangled in our body. Once we consent to meeting these events within a safe, contained healing environment the knots of the past may be released and be transformed to life vital energy to flow freely in body and mind.

A therapeutic process for people who have experienced sexual trauma and sexual assault includes three main stages:

The first step is to create a safe space and open communication on the subject. Many times, we repress these memories because of the powerful emotional charge they hold in us and therefore we do not talk about them at all. Open communication follows the individual rhythm of each person and not the rhythm of the therapist. Sharing happens only willingly and Dorit Bar accompanies the process with sensitivity and care, to allow for an open, free, and flowing discourse. Authentic communication in a safe space allows acceptance of the events that happened so we acknowledge and include them as part of the fabric of life while releasing the dramatic responsive energy to the event along with the position of a victim

The second stage of the process involves a gradual emotional-physical healing journey. Based on the sense of safety and relational trust that was built in the previous stage, one can begin to sense and feel the emotions and bodily sensations that have accumulated in relation to the event and begin to release them.

In order to deal with the natural disconnections that happens as part of sexual assault, the Agana therapy approach focuses on emotional healing process through connection to the body and physical sensations. Healing allows the body and mind to free negative emotions as well as old and stale beliefs, limiting perceptions, old patterns and barriers which were created as a result of the trauma. It can be said that the second stage is the most important because it allows the body and mind to be cleansed of the effects of sexual assault, the symptoms that have been established for many years and the fears that have affected different aspects of one’s life.

Please note: Sessions take place in full clothing and do not involve any kind of sexual contact.

Dorit offers sessions in person or virtually.

The third stage in a sense arises naturally when sexual and intimate practice tools are given as a home practice to explore and learn from, both independently or as a couple, to create intimate, erotic and sexual touch experiences that are pleasant, positive and pleasurable. The third stage is suitable for both people in a relationship and those who are not.