From Sexual Assault Victim to Survivor – A Metamorphosis
Healing after sexual assault is a process–a metamorphosis–from an unprotected victim to a survivor who is strong and free of fear.
Much like victims, a caterpillar who is attacked by a predator has no say, and no control, over what happens to them during an assault. Wounded and struggling, they are left to their own devices to find a path forward. The ability to surround themselves with a cocoon is their only option to protect themselves.
Inside this cocoon, the caterpillar safely heals, grows and eventually is freed as a butterfly, capable of great strength and resilience.
Sexual assault victims also often surround themselves with a protective cocoon in an attempt to heal. But unlike the caterpillar, life must go on during the process. Shielding themselves from the outside world while suffering trauma often means moving away from normal activities—and an increased feeling of helplessness. This can manifest as emotional detachment, social alienation, disengagement from work or social activities, or even self-harm. The emotional scars from sexual assault can continue to grow while safe in their protective cocoon, sometimes affecting every aspect of their life.
Your Cocoon Can Be a Path Toward Healing
I am here to help you take control of your situation and turn your cocoon into a healing place. It is absolutely ok to feel like you need to take some time. But I encourage you to build your cocoon in a way that shields you from harm while allowing you to grow and heal, until you are ready to fly.
To help you to do this, I will provide you with emotional and healing support and guidance, as well as walking you through the legal process. You will find that with every step, you will feel stronger and more in control of your life. You will discover that the strength inside you that carried you through the traumatic experience will also carry you through healing.
Healing is Always a Process, But is Attainable
Whether or not you eventually pursue justice, this healing is important. It is not something we are designed to handle without learning though. Support, encouragement and guidance are the material of a cocoon that will protect you while healing, until you can spread your wings and fly without being hindered by the damage caused by someone else.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, I encourage you to contact me, by phone or through our contact form, to discuss how we can build your cocoon in a way that will empower you to take back the control and work through the metamorphosis of healing. I will be there to help you through.
To begin your journey toward healing , please contact us through our online form or by phone (415) 576-1600
~ Sandy Ribera