Sexual Healing After Sexual Violence: Transcending Limitations and Creating Secure Attachments in Spiritual Care
Salvino, Allison
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2024-5
Abstract
This project provides strategic clinical practices for spiritual counselors who work with adults who have experienced sexual violence. Licensed mental health professionals could benefit from this project to learn about clinical approaches for their religious and spiritual clients. Sexual violence can create traumas that negatively impact quality of life and the ability to engage in healthy sexual behaviors with oneself and/or with safe partners. This project identifies the biopsychosocial-religious/spiritual (biopsychosocial-R/S) approach to professional spiritual counseling. The concepts that will be discussed in this project are 1) the purpose and role of religion and spirituality, 2) evidenced-based practices (EBP), 3) professional leadership and challenges to spiritual care, 4) interdisciplinary networking, 5) integration of the arts into spiritual care sessions, 5) and care planning. The aim of this project is to help counselors make a positive impact in the lives of those who have experienced sexual violence (experiencer(s): E-SV)1 with the practical outcome for E-SV being an increase in personal agency to reclaim one’s sexuality and engage sex with comfort, satisfaction, and choice.
This is an introduction into one approach to integrative spiritual care. Additional training and education are required in order to understand EBPs and properly implement principles in a way that is appropriate for spiritual counseling and professional standards. Always abide by the standards and codes of your institution and discipline/vocation in which you are considered to be a professional.