For many survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), the journey of healing can feel uncertain and unsteady—like walking on shifting sand. The trauma experienced in childhood can fracture a person’s sense of self, stability, and connection, not only with others but also with their own body and the world around them. In the midst of this long and often difficult process of recovery, nature offers something quietly powerful: steadiness. Nature Does Not Demand Explanations Nature is a safe witness just as Lee Lyttle writes in his book Wounded Healer: “When I cried, the trees stared at me and simply listened. I felt secure, I wasn’t judged (p.30).” Nature accepts us unconditionally in a way that can be challenging to find in human relationships. Being outdoors, especially in quiet and natural places, can provide a place to express oneself, feel oneself without intrusion or judgement. For many survivors, this is a crucial step in feeling safe again: to be seen, without having to explain, justify, or defend. In this natural playground, we can observe and learn from nature’s processes: trees don’t hurry to bloom; rivers carve through stone over centuries; leaves are shed for new ones; forest fires cleanse, creating space for new, stronger foliage. Nature’s cycles of death and rebirth, removal for new growth, reflect the human journey into healing: our sense of self continually shifts. We, too, shed the dead leaves of shame and guilt in the hope of budding new leaves of empowerment. Nature imparts that it’s okay to move slowly; there is no urgency to “move on” from trauma. Healing is not linear. Like a tide, healing has ebbs and flows, and like the earth, we are allowed to change gradually, to rest, to fall apart, and to grow again. Nature is an Anchor Trauma, especially CSA, often disrupts the relationship we have with our own bodies. Many survivors may feel numb, disconnected, or unsafe in their physical selves. Nature gently invites us back to the body through sensory experiences that feel grounding and real. Nature acts like an exploratory playground survivors can engage with at their own pace. “These experiences in Nature are where I learned I had some control and when I explored, nothing stopped me, and nothing judged me. The environment just seemed to sit and watch me playing. Sometimes I shifted leaves and grass around to examine the light of the sun and create my own shadows. My time in Nature was, and continues to be, limitless (Lyttle, p.29).” For those who have experienced the instability of trauma, there is comfort and anchoring in simply touching the earth. Feeling your feet in the grass, sitting against a tree trunk, or feeling the softness of a flower petal. The earth and all of its offerings holds us without question. If you are a CSA survivor, please know this: you are not broken. You are healing in your own time, in your own way. And the natural world is walking alongside you. The ground beneath your feet is more than support. It is a steady companion.
The 7 Grandfather Teachings and How They Can Support Healing
The Seven Grandfather Teachings are powerful guideposts rooted in Anishinaabe tradition, offering timeless wisdom for living in balance with oneself, others, and all of creation. While not all Indigenous Nations teach or interpret these teachings in the same way, many recognize their relevance as part of a broader spiritual and cultural framework. These teachings aren’t just for reflection—they are a call to action. If we embodied them in our lives—at home, at work, and in our relationships—the way we connect to each other, to the land, and to ourselves might profoundly shift. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), the Seven Grandfather Teachings offer a compassionate, strength-based lens for reclaiming power, voice, and belonging. Using the Nottawaseppi Band of the Potawatomi Federal Tribal Government website’s (Seven Grandfather Teachings | NHBP) guide to the Seven Grandfather teachings, let’s explore how each teaching can serve as a gentle companion on the healing journey: Love Respect “There should be no part of creation that should be excluded from the honor that we are to give.” Respect reminds us that every person has inherent value. That includes survivors. When we acknowledge someone’s truth, we show them respect. When we respect ourselves—our limits, our needs, our past—we create space for healing. Respect is the antidote to shame. It’s how we reclaim dignity and self-worth after trauma. Bravery “We face life with the courage to use our personal strengths to face difficulties, stand tall through adversity, and make positive choices.” Bravery doesn’t always look bold. Sometimes, it’s just surviving the day. Sometimes, it’s sharing your truth out loud for the first time. For survivors, bravery is in every small act of healing—asking for help, saying “no,” setting a boundary, or simply waking up and continuing Truth “We must understand, speak, and feel the truth, while also honoring its power.” Truth is often uncomfortable, but essential. Naming what happened is part of reclaiming our voice. Denial can protect us temporarily, but long-term healing asks us to face what hurts so we can begin to release it. Living in our truth, even when it’s painful, brings us closer to our authentic selves—and to the future we deserve. Honesty “We must allow truth to be our guide. We must first be honest with ourselves. This will allow us to be honest with others.” Honesty means acknowledging our feelings and experiences without minimizing them. It takes courage to look inward and say, “This happened, and it mattered.” Honesty is the bridge between truth and connection. It helps us build relationships rooted in integrity and authenticity—starting with ourselves. Humility “We should never think of ourselves as being better or worse than anyone else.” Trauma can create isolation. Survivors often carry the belief that no one else could possibly understand. Humility reminds us that we’re not alone. We’re not worse or less than anyone else. We are part of a much larger human story—each of us figuring out life as best we can. When we embrace humility, we create space to grow, to make mistakes, and to feel connected to others and to something greater than ourselves. Wisdom The Seven Grandfather Teachings are lifelong companions. They invite us to live with intention, to honor ourselves and each other, and to deepen our connection with the natural world. For survivors of CSA, these teachings offer a language for healing that is rooted in dignity, balance, and strength.
Rooted Resilience: Returning to Nature
What is happening when we find ourselves immersed in nature—when we notice the profound absence of city sounds, replaced by a silence alive with birdsong, the whisper of wind through trees, the rustling of leaves, and perhaps the soft lapping of water on a shore or the gurgle of a flowing river? What happens when we are out there and suddenly feel like we can finally exhale, as if we can breathe a long-awaited sigh of relief? According to the Logos Healing Institute what we’re experiencing is that “Nature’s rhythmic patterns and soothing sensory stimuli act as a gentle regulator, helping to restore balance to the nervous system. The gentle rustle of leaves, the rhythmic lapping of waves, or the warm embrace of sunlight can all serve as anchors, guiding survivors back to a state of equilibrium through their senses in a way that words can never do.” Through this, our bodies can begin to return to a state of regulation. If you’ve ever seen a tree grow around an obstacle in its way, you’ve witnessed the resilience of nature. In many ways, nature reflects survivors’ own capacity for resilience. As the Logos Healing Institute so beautifully expresses: “Resilience is the ability to weather storms and thrive amidst adversity. Nature can be a source of continued inspiration and growth. By engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or building a campfire, survivors learn new skills and also learn in new ways how resilient and strong they really are. These experiences can aid survivors in reclaiming a sense of agency over their lives and empower them to reclaim authorship of their stories.” While deep immersion in nature can sometimes be a privileged experience—requiring time, access, and resources—not everyone needs to travel far to reconnect with the natural world. Simple grounding practices, like walking barefoot on grass, writing or drawing outdoors, collecting natural materials for creative projects, or meditating beneath a tree, can strengthen both our healing and our connection to nature. Even envisioning a peaceful natural scene can help soothe the nervous system and bring us closer to balance. Keeping a plant—real or artificial for those without a green thumb—or even a photograph of a calming natural space, is known to have a similarly grounding effect. Whether we venture deep into the wilderness or simply pause beneath a tree in a city park, nature offers us quiet lessons in healing and strength. By returning to these natural rhythms—through our senses, through movement, or even through imagination—we create space for calm, regulation, and the rediscovery of our own resilience.
Health is Wealth: Invest in Yourself as a CSA Survivor
As survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), many of us have spent years carrying burdens we did not choose. Healing can feel like a long and uncertain journey—but it’s important to remember this: your health is your greatest wealth. The investment you make in your emotional, physical, and mental well-being is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself. Survivors often put others first or avoid their own needs, but healing starts when you decide that you matter, that your well-being deserves attention and care. Just as we might save for the future or invest in our careers, we must also prioritize ourselves by tending to the wounds we carry. Your story, your body, your emotions—they all deserve nurturing, safety, and space to heal. Investing in Yourself Looks Like: At The Gatehouse, we offer a supportive, non-judgmental space for adult survivors of CSA to begin or continue this journey. You don’t have to do this by yourself. Whether it’s through our peer support programs, workshops, or survivor-led initiatives, there are compassionate people here to walk beside you. Your healing is an investment in your future—your peace, your relationships, your sense of purpose. Every step you take toward wellness is a step toward reclaiming your voice and your life. Visit thegatehouse.org to learn more about how we can support you. Because you are worthy of healing.Because health is wealth.Because you matter.
Healing With Expressive Art Therapy Part 2
If you’ve made it this far, here’s your gift—a second arts therapy activity to explore and enjoy! Let’s dive right in and remember to be kind and compassionate with yourself as you move through this process. There’s no right or wrong outcome—only your unique expression When a strong emotion comes up, this might be a creative practice for you to process that emotion. You need 2 sheets of paper and your preferred coloring supply. Sit down comfortably and bring awareness to where you are in the present moment. You may want to take a few breaths bringing awareness to your body and noticing where you are feeling activated, and notice the sensations: what quality do they have? Are they at the surface or deep inside? Is it still or moving? Is it young, old, or ancient? Trust your instincts as you express what you feel in your body, onto the paper. If those sensations could speak, what would they say? Once you have documented all that you can notice. Take a look at what is on your paper. Is there anything you need to add? When it feels complete – ask yourself, “Am I willing for this to change in a beneficial/supportive way?” If the answer is no, thank your body for the information and check in again sometime later. If the answer is yes, you can return to a comfortable sitting position, close your eyes or have a soft gaze. Start to tune into your body with your willingness for things to change and observe, like a movie, the changes you notice. Look for changes in temperature, sensation, and movement and start to express visually, using your coloring material, what you notice. Follow the same prompts as above in how you pay attention to what is happening internally. You may notice you use different colors, shapes, and textures. When the 2nd drawing feels complete, take a few moments to reflect on it: Look at it from different angles; compare it to your first piece of paper and see what looks and feels different. Notice how differently you may feel in your body. If you wish, you can discard the first piece of paper and post the 2nd piece of paper where you will see it often. You can repeat this process as many times as needed and track the changes you feel with each version in a journal. Your body will continue to make changes as you go about your day, and as you sleep. Your willingness is the key to unlocking this process. If this was your first foray into expressive art therapy, I hope the experience was illuminating and even joyful, and that you feel inspired to return to the practice again. If you’d like additional support in your art therapy journey, you’re always welcome to register for Individual or Group Art Therapy with us at The Gatehouse.
Dancing As a Form of Healing
“If you can’t say it, you sing it, and if you can’t sing it, you dance it.” -Anonymous In an article posted on the website The Mighty, Monika Sudakov talks about how dance helped her work through her own childhood sexual abuse concluding that, “I encourage anyone, with a trauma history or otherwise, to engage in some kind of dance-like movement to music.” Dance as Freedom It is becoming widely recognized that trauma can be held in the body. Movement helps us tune into where it might be held and supports us in releasing it. For survivors of CSA, freeing the body from what it carries is an essential step toward both emotional and physical healing. Dance can be a powerful way to facilitate this release. Sudakov writes about three key impacts of dance on trauma. First, it promotes the release of feel-good hormones. She states, “Factor in the element of music in dance and you have a powerful one-two punch of reducing stress hormones like cortisol and engaging parts of the brain associated with emotional regulation.” Second, dance engages bilateral stimulation, a principle central to EMDR therapy. She explains: The fundamental tenet of EMDR, bilateral stimulation, enables one to engage both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, allowing connections to be made that can effectively process memories that may have gotten stuck. Body movement where alternating sides of the body are worked in sequence is one of these. Therefore, dance engaging repetition from one side of the body to another can effectuate a similar result. (Sudakov, 2024) Third, dance supports the vagus nerve function, which is often disrupted by trauma. Sudakov notes: It is well known that trauma can disrupt vagus nerve function, causing dysregulation of everything from digestion to mood. Two of the best ways to stimulate positive vagal functioning are through exercise and deep, slow breathing, both of which are integral aspects to dance.(Sudakov, 2024). Ecstatic Dance If dance sounds intriguing, one such form of dance is called ecstatic dance, a form of moving meditation where you allow yourself to dance to the energy of music like a hill that you slowly climb, reaching a peak, and then descend. You can look for local ecstatic communities, such as Ecstatic Dance Toronto. If there aren’t any local communities near you, the wonderful news is you can do this in your own home with your own curated playlist. Give it a try and express your feelings from the day or week! While ecstatic dance allows for free-form movement and emotional expression, some people may prefer a more structured approach to movement as a healing practice. One such method is 5 Movement Dance, which follows a ‘wave’ or pattern of music, suggestive of 5 moods or rhythms: flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. Unlike ecstatic dance, not only does the facilitator play the music, they also interact with the dancers, encouraging and reminded participants to breathe and bring attention to their emotions and bodily sensations. If this sounds interesting but also a bit overwhelming, remember that dance is about self-expression. There is no wrong way to connect with music and movement. In these spaces, everyone is free from judgment, encouraged to listen to their body, heart, and soul. Sudakov, M., So You Think You Can Dance to Process Trauma, The Mighty, July 17th 2024. Is Ecstatic Dance and 5 Rhythms the Same Thing, Flo Motion, March 17th 2023.
Healing Through Creativity: Art, Writing & Music for CSA Survivors
For survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), the path to healing is both deeply personal and courageous. Creative expression—through art, writing, and music—can offer a vital, non-verbal language for processing trauma, reclaiming power, and finding moments of solace. While the journey is unique for everyone, engaging in creative practices can provide a safe space to explore and articulate feelings that are often too complex for words alone. Art as a Tool for Emotional Processing Art provides a medium where emotions too deep for conversation can be visually expressed. For many CSA survivors, painting, drawing, or sculpting can transform internal pain into tangible forms that capture both sorrow and strength. This creative process helps externalize emotions, enabling survivors to gradually face and understand their experiences in a controlled, personal space. Sometimes, the hardest feelings can’t be easily put into words. Visual art allows these feelings to be communicated in a way that feels safe and personal. Furthermore, engaging with art often induces a meditative state. This mindful process can create moments of calm and reflection, helping to alleviate the overwhelming intensity of trauma. Writing to Reframe and Reclaim Your Story Writing offers a structured way to explore and reframe personal experiences. Through journaling, poetry, or storytelling, survivors can give voice to their feelings and reshape their narratives. This act of writing not only serves as a cathartic release but also empowers survivors to see themselves beyond their trauma. Writing allows for the honest exploration of thoughts and memories in a private space, offering a release valve for pent-up emotions. When survivors use language to express their experience survivors can gradually reframe their past, transforming pain into a story of resilience and strength. If a survivor ever feels like sharing their personal writing, whether in a support group or creative workshop, this act can foster a sense of belonging and remind survivors that they are not alone in their journey. Music’s Unique Role in Emotional Healing Music possesses a unique power to soothe the mind and heart. For CSA survivors, both listening to and creating music can be profoundly therapeutic. Music’s ability to evoke emotions and memories makes it a potent tool for processing trauma and reclaiming emotional balance. A melody or rhythm can reflect and modulate the inner emotional landscape, offering moments of comfort and connection. Whether it’s learning an instrument, singing, or composing, actively making music can be an empowering act, one that reclaims control over one’s narrative. Participating in musical groups or community choirs creates opportunities for shared experiences, reinforcing the message that healing is not a solitary journey. The journey to healing for CSA survivors is not linear. Creative expression is not about producing perfect art, flawless prose, or harmonious music, it’s about the courage to explore one’s inner world and find personal meaning in the process. Every brushstroke, every written word, and every note played is a step toward reclaiming your narrative and reinforcing your strength. Working in a creative medium teaches us the importance of being gentle with ourselves. Just as learning the medium takes time, so too does healing. Every small step is a victory. Creativity as a Step Toward Resilience For CSA survivors, creative expression offers a pathway to healing that honors the complexity of personal trauma while opening doors to resilience and renewal. All mediums of art provide control over how survivors engage with their own experiences, how they choose to share their story. Through art, writing, and music, survivors can find a voice beyond the silence of their past—a voice that speaks of hope, strength, and the transformative power of creativity. Embrace your creative journey as a step toward healing and remember that every expression of your inner self is a celebration of your strength and survival. Artistic endeavour is a declaration that your story matters and that you have the power to shape your present and your future. For more information about our Expressive Arts Therapy Group Programs visit https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services/supplemental/expressive-arts-therapy
Breaking the Silence: Challenges Men Face in Speaking Out about CSA
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a profoundly traumatic experience that leaves lasting impacts on survivors, regardless of gender. However, societal attitudes, stigmas, and misconceptions uniquely affect men who have experienced this form of trauma, often making it exceptionally difficult for them to come forward and seek help. Understanding these difficulties is essential to creating an environment where healing can truly begin. One of the greatest barriers men face when disclosing CSA is societal expectations rooted in gender norms. Men are often socialized to be strong, self-reliant, and emotionally resilient. From a young age, many boys learn that expressing vulnerability or admitting victimization is synonymous with weakness. This societal pressure contributes to a deep sense of shame and self-blame, discouraging men from speaking openly about their abuse. The stigma surrounding male victimization is prevalent and harmful in many ways. Society often holds stereotypical beliefs that men cannot be victims or that they must have somehow been complicit in their abuse. These harmful myths perpetuate feelings of isolation and self-doubt among male survivors, making them fear judgment, disbelief, or ridicule if they reveal their past experiences. Historically, support systems and resources for CSA survivors have been predominantly designed with female survivors in mind. While this attention is necessary and justified, it inadvertently leaves male survivors with fewer accessible services tailored to their specific needs. The lack of visible representation and acknowledgment can make men feel invisible or invalidated, further discouraging them from seeking help. Men who experience CSA often grapple with fears about how they will be perceived. Often, when men are coming forward to seek support at The Gatehouse, concerns about sexuality, masculinity, and identity frequently arise, creating internal conflicts and confusion. Many survivors worry that disclosure might lead others to question their sexual orientation or masculinity, leading to additional layers of anxiety and reluctance to speak out. Due to cultural conditioning, many men struggle to articulate emotions effectively. Childhood sexual abuse survivors often experience complex emotions like anger, guilt, and sadness. However, expressing these feelings can be challenging for men who have been discouraged from emotional openness. The lack of emotional vocabulary or fear of being overwhelmed by these feelings prevents many from engaging in therapeutic conversations essential for healing. Recognizing these barriers is the first step in fostering a supportive environment for male survivors of CSA. Encouraging open dialogue, raising public awareness, and developing male-specific support programs can significantly impact survivors’ willingness to seek help. It is essential to reinforce that vulnerability and strength are not mutually exclusive, and seeking help is a courageous act deserving of respect and empathy. The Gatehouse provides peer support groups for men, women, and all gender identities. Breaking the silence surrounding male childhood sexual abuse requires collective effort. By challenging harmful stereotypes, improving accessibility to resources, and promoting compassion and understanding, society can create safe spaces for male survivors to share their experiences and begin their healing journey. Every voice deserves to be heard, and every survivor deserves support, regardless of gender.
Community and Connection: Healing Together
For survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), community and connection can be transformative. Healing is not a journey meant to be taken alone—it thrives in the presence of understanding, support, and shared experiences. Whether through peer support groups, creative collaborations, or simple acts of kindness, the collective strength of a community creates a ripple effect of healing and hope. One of the most profound aspects of healing in a supportive environment is the ability to share your story and be truly heard and believed. Storytelling is more than just words, it is a bridge to connection, a lifeline that reassures others they are not alone. When one person finds the courage to share their truth, it opens the door for others to do the same, fostering a space where healing can flourish. Healing within a Community Healing within a community fosters a deep sense of belonging. When individuals come together with a shared purpose—whether to heal from past wounds, navigate grief, or rebuild after hardship—they find strength in each other. There is comfort in knowing that others have walked a similar path and emerged stronger. Society often tells us that true strength lies in succeeding alone, reinforcing a capitalistic myth of self-reliance. While individualism has its value, this belief can prevent us from seeking the support we need. Support is what leads to success, both big and small. As the Japanese proverb reminds us, “A single arrow can easily be broken, but not ten in a bundle.” When we struggle, we must remember that community doesn’t just support us—it helps guide us back to ourselves. Creativity Builds Connections Beyond verbal storytelling, creativity can be a powerful way to build connections and process emotions. Art, music, writing, and movement allow individuals to express themselves in ways words sometimes cannot. Furthermore, creative movements like Dance and Yoga allow individuals to re-connect with the body in ways that more traditional therapy might now allow. Community art projects, open mic nights, and collaborative writing groups provide safe spaces for healing through self-expression. If we want to start small, as big change starts with small acts, the simple act of sharing a poem or a piece of visual art online can embolden us. Each small intentional act builds community. No matter where you find your community, the key is connection. Healing is not meant to be a solitary experience. When we walk alongside others, we remind ourselves that we are not alone. Together, we may bend, but we will not break. If you are a poet or a visual artist, check out The Global Poetry Movement, and submit your work at https://globalpoetrymovement.com/
The Role of Community in Recovery
As survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), recovery is a deeply personal journey, but one of the most powerful forces that can help someone on that journey is the support of a community. The sense of belonging and the shared experiences within a community can provide the strength, hope, and encouragement needed to push through difficult moments. The Need for Connection Humans are inherently social creatures. We thrive in environments where we feel accepted, valued, and understood. This need for connection is no less important during healing. In fact, for many, it’s the foundation on which true healing is built. When someone is struggling with the symptoms of trauma as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) isolation often creeps in. The shame, guilt, and fear that come with these challenges can make individuals feel alone in their battle. The idea that no one else understands can lead to feelings of hopelessness. However, when someone enters a supportive community, they quickly realize they are not alone, and that’s a powerful shift. The Transformative Power of Community At The Gatehouse, the transformative power of community is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Witnessing survivors tear up when they hear the words “I believe you” underscores the immense strength it takes to fight for oneself, especially when they’ve been denied that belief by those who were meant to protect them. The journey to trust themselves, to open up to the support group process, is truly an honor to witness. Here, survivors realize they deserve better and are willing to do the work of moving from isolation, fear, and shame into connection, love, and joy. While simply showing up is the first step, the real work begins when people engage deeply with the community, and what’s even more remarkable is their determination to continue doing this work time and again. Starting something new is overwhelming for anyone, but for those walking up the five front steps of The Gatehouse—steps many describe as the hardest to take—it’s a courageous leap toward healing. What’s even more inspiring is that many who take that leap go on to thrive, some eventually becoming facilitators themselves. Community begets community, and in this shared space, we learn from one another. When one person steps into their power, it inspires others to keep going, showing them that they, too, can reach that place of empowerment. Witnessing the breakthroughs and successes of others, and celebrating those moments together, is a powerful reminder that no one is ever alone in their struggles or triumphs. This collective strength builds trust and reminds everyone that their worth is not tied to the easy times—they are always supported. A recent event at The Gatehouse that epitomizes community, has been participants creating an aftercare group to continue supporting one another, even after their formal group had ended. This is a true testament to the lasting impact of love, care, and community. The Importance of Community Whether here at The Gatehouse, or other peer-based programs, the importance of community in the healing journey cannot be overstated. When individuals find a place where they belong—where their experiences are validated, and their progress is celebrated—they gain the strength and courage to continue their journey. In these communities, healing becomes not just a personal endeavor, but a collective one. Together, people rise. If you or someone you know is embarking on a recovery journey, remember that reaching out to a community can be a powerful step toward healing. Stories of recovery are stories of hope, and often, they are stories of belonging. For more information about our peer support group programs, please visit https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services