[Content Warning]: Child sexual abuse, rape, assault, sexual assault, acquaintance rape, attempted murder

Today, Jan is joined by Erika Shershun, MA, LMFT, who is a somatic psychotherapist who specializes in helping sexual trauma survivors reclaim the life they were meant to live. She’s the author of the Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook, the Healing Sexual Trauma Guided Journal (March 2025 release), the facilitator of the PESI Sexual Trauma Clinical Training, as well as for the upcoming Sexual Trauma Healing Journey (fall 2024). Her approach is trauma informed, rooted in somatic principles, drawing on neuroscience and integrative modalities like EMDR, energy psychology, parts work, and mindfulness. Erika offers individual online therapy sessions in California and provides coaching to clients outside of the state.

In part one of this two part episode Jan and Erika discuss the different responses to trauma, including freezing, fighting, fleeing, and fawning. Erika emphasizes that survivors should not blame themselves for their responses, as they are automatic survival strategies. They also talk about the importance of being believed when disclosing assault, as negative reactions can increase the likelihood of revictimization. Erika shares her own experiences of childhood sexual assault and multiple instances of revictimization. They discuss the concept of feeling safe in the body. Erika highlights the need for trauma-informed therapy and the importance of addressing trauma in the healing process. Jan and Erika discuss the need for therapists to receive proper training in sexual trauma. Erika shares her personal experience of not receiving the trauma work she needed in therapy and how she eventually found healing through somatic therapy.

Follow Erika Shershun:
erikashershunhealing.com
healingsexualtrauma.com

Buy Erika’s Book:
Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook

Mentioned Resources:
S.A.S.S.
P.E.S.I.
What Happened To You By Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry
Trauma and Memory By Peter Levine

If you are someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline  (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

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