Reconnecting with our bodies after sexual trauma can feel impossible, but embodiment practices offer a genuine pathway to healing. In this transformative episode, trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook unpacks why sexual assault survivors often disconnect from their bodies and how this protective mechanism eventually hinders recovery.

The statistics are sobering—one in five women experience sexual assault, usually by someone they trust. This violation creates a complex web of shame, self-blame, and confusion that leaves many survivors feeling at war with their own bodies. Tabitha compassionately explains how abusers—particularly those in positions of trust or spiritual authority—manipulate victims into believing they're responsible for their own abuse, further driving the wedge between survivors and their physical selves.

Drawing from both clinical expertise and personal experience, Tabitha guides listeners through accessible embodiment practices that can transform healing journeys. From grounding exercises that visualize being "rooted like a tree" to compassionate self-touch techniques and mindful movement, she offers practical tools for reconnection. These practices help survivors reclaim what was stolen: their sense of safety, autonomy, and bodily connection.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is Tabitha's honesty about the challenges of embodiment work. She acknowledges that memories or uncomfortable feelings may arise during practice—not as setbacks but as necessary steps in processing trauma. Her message that "progress, not perfection" matters resonates deeply for anyone who has struggled with trauma's physical aftermath.

Whether you're a survivor seeking healing or someone supporting a loved one through recovery, this episode provides both validation and practical wisdom. Join Tabitha's community by subscribing to the podcast and pre-ordering her forthcoming book "Body and Soul, Healed and Whole," available April 2025. Virtual healing groups are forming now—visit tabithawestbrook.com to learn how you can participate in this transformative work of reclaiming your relationship with your body.

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🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy and is intended for educational purposes only. If you're in crisis or need therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional.

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