Beyond Survival – Skills for Healing: Reframing Trauma

Did you know 1/6 males will experience sexual victimization in their lifetime? Its a common assumption that sexual harm happens to males in addition to females and trans or non-binary individuals. Male survivors are often unseen and unheard. Because of toxic masculinity in our culture and many other cultures around the world, it can be extremely difficult for men to open up about the sexual victimization they may have faced. Typically when this occurs, many men become diagnosed with PTSD. Sometimes disorders can continue to pathologize victims who are already insecure or afraid to speak up about their suffering. This video talks about how we NEED to “Reframe” Trauma. 

Sexual violence survivors don’t have a disorder.. they have an injury. An injury that can HEAL. Nothing is wrong with us, our actions, or our thoughts. Trauma responses are natural responses that occur in our brains when we are faced with danger. Our primitive brain reacts in an attempt to protect us. However, repeated emotional or physical harm can cause chronic anxiety, fear, and stress. It can feel impossible to complete the trauma cycle when events continue to occur. “Trauma survivors are 3x more likely to experience intestinal issues, chronic pain, fatigue and other issues like type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.” 

Many men would not describe their experience as trauma. Male victims face many social issues surrounding this. Male survivors seldom share their distress as they are typically seen as perpetrators of sexual harm, rather than victims. Because of this cultural messaging, we leave males in the dark with how to cope with their struggles. Viewing trauma differently, is a powerful tool for healing. 

How can we use the mind to heal our body, and use our body to heal our minds? 

Next Steps & Resources:

Ready to take the next step?

Contact us to schedule an appointment 512-537-0922. Or, book a session online through – Schedule an appointment now.

What online counseling options do I have?

For the past decade we have excelled at online therapy, tele-therapy and phone counseling. We have seen couples online and conducted Sex Therapy online through video platforms. Everything can be completed online including your intake, first session all the way through graduation! You can even find a Respark Therapist or Coach and book your first session online without having to pick up the phone. Many of our clients love online therapy as there are so many pros! Learn more about our online couples therapy, online individual therapy and online Sex Therapy process here.

What is Respark all about?

We have therapists throughout all of Texas and Colorado. We offer the best couples therapy and sex therapy because our team had 200+ hours of training post graduate. Many of them are already certified or about to become certified sex therapists. We have therapists trained in trauma, EMDR, eating disorders and Health at Every Size informed.

I want to become a sex therapist or sexual health professional, how do I do that?
Check out our podcast with Respark Founder, Heather McPherson at Practice Outside the Lines.

I want to become a certified sex therapist or certified sex coach or educator?

We also started one of the largest sexual health training organizations in the country. Check out Sexual Health Alliance for sexuality certification programs.

I need additional support around growing my sexual health focused practice as a sex therapist, sex coach or sexuality professional. Where can I find more information?

We started Practice Outside the Lines to support new and seasoned sexuality professionals learn how to start and grow a sexual health focused business.