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Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook: Somatic Skills to Help You Feel Safe in Your Body, Create Boundaries, and Live with Resilience
Overcome shame and stigma; and bring a newly felt sense of safety, awareness, and life to your body. If you've experienced rape, sexual abuse, molestation, or sexual trauma, you may feel as if you've lost your sense of self. You may have difficulty setting boundaries or building satisfying sexual relationships. Sometimes, you may even feel like your body isn't your own. You aren't alone. The scars of sexual trauma exist not only in the mind, but also in the body. And in order to heal, build resilience, and discover a sense of hope, you must address both. Drawing on the powerful mind-body techniques of somatic therapy, Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook is a step-by-step guide to overcoming the psychological effects of sexual trauma, and increasing positive body awareness and vitality. You'll find tools to help you create an internal sense of safety and become more embodied and present. You'll also discover ways to establish boundaries; move beyond intense feelings like shame, fear, and guilt; and deal effectively with triggers. Finally, you'll learn how to cultivate self-compassion and the confidence needed to live your best life. What happened to you isn't your fault, and it doesn't define you. With the right tools, you can live a full and satisfying life beyond sexual trauma. This workbook will help guide you, every step of the way.
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2021
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312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 21, 2021
Created by psychotherapist Erika Shershun, "Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook: Somatic Skills to Help You Feel Safe in Your Body, Create Boundaries, and Live with Resilience" is a step-by-step guide to overcoming the psychological effects of sexual trauma.
As you can probably guess from the book's title, Shershun draws on the mind-body techniques of somatic therapy in developing this workbook. As she makes apparent early in the workbook, Shershun also draws upon her own healing experiences and the work that she did to overcoming the psychological effects of her own sexual trauma.
While "Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" is noted as being a "step-by-step" guide, I couldn't help but feel throughout the workbook that it's best utilized by someone a little more advanced in the healing journey and truly ready to address mind-body techniques. While some survivors do, in fact, do this early in the journey others find it to be a later stage of healing. While I, like Shershun, have my own experiences with sexual assault and also spent time working in the mental health field (in my case crisis intervention), I at times felt like the language utilized in the workbook may not be easily understood by those early in a healing journey or those unfamiliar with therapeutic language. I also found that this language issue, on occasion, altered the tone of the workbook as Shershun altered between light self-revelation to warm encourager to what could likely be considered a more sterile clinical approach. There are, of course, places for all of these in the therapeutic relationship but it comes off differently with the written word.
While Shershun doesn't necessarily say, to her credit, that "Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" is primarily targeted toward women it's worth noting that, as I recall, all of the examples she provides in the workbook are of women. This isn't inherently bad, of course, because most statistics acknowledge greater numbers of women experience sexual trauma. It may come into play, however, because of the subtle nuances needed with male survivors of sexual trauma. I think there's much here for male survivors in terms of mind-body, but I'd say the language around these exercises is definitely more targeted toward female survivors. As someone who presents workshops for disabled survivors of sexual assault, I also couldn't help but wish this issue had been addressed somewhere within the book.
It may sound like I'm being particularly negative around the book - that's far from my intention as should be evidenced by my 4-star review. Having experienced life as a male and disabled survivor of sexual trauma, I perhaps am more in touch with the broad spectrum of sexual trauma and I aspire to inclusivity within healing works. However, there's no denying that Shershun has crafted a valuable workbook of practical, safe to explore exercises within one's personal network of friends and home. While these types of workbooks are ideally suited to those with healthy supportive and/or therapeutic relationships, the simple truth is that not all survivors of sexual trauma choose to or have access to these types of relationships and this workbook provides "at your pace" guidance for healing skills one can explore at home.
For the most part, Shershun chooses her self-revelation well and offers glimpses into her own journey without making the "Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" ultimately about her. While much of this type of work I've done, it's valuable work that can be revisited whenever new challenges along the healing journey arise. Generally speaking, Shershun makes it clear that while this is a step-by-step guide, sometimes our healing journey calls us to move a few steps ahead or behind. Only once did I find her contradicting her own guidance in that she encouraged people to not move forward as "we're not ready for that yet" despite earlier having stated we could work ahead if we felt ready or a need for a particular step or area of work.
"Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" is a valuable tool for the healing toolbox that will be an important aid for survivors of sexual trauma. While all survivors can benefit from work around mind-body, especially in the area of sexual trauma, those who embrace the mind-body journey will likely most resonate with Shershun's work here.
This is a resource I will undoubtedly refer to again. In fact, I plan to read through it again at a survivor's pace rather than for the contemplation of review. This is a book I want to see if I can lean into more fully as I incorporate Shershun's knowledge and wisdom into my continued healing journey of healthy integration of my mind and body and my life experiences including sexual trauma.
As you can probably guess from the book's title, Shershun draws on the mind-body techniques of somatic therapy in developing this workbook. As she makes apparent early in the workbook, Shershun also draws upon her own healing experiences and the work that she did to overcoming the psychological effects of her own sexual trauma.
While "Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" is noted as being a "step-by-step" guide, I couldn't help but feel throughout the workbook that it's best utilized by someone a little more advanced in the healing journey and truly ready to address mind-body techniques. While some survivors do, in fact, do this early in the journey others find it to be a later stage of healing. While I, like Shershun, have my own experiences with sexual assault and also spent time working in the mental health field (in my case crisis intervention), I at times felt like the language utilized in the workbook may not be easily understood by those early in a healing journey or those unfamiliar with therapeutic language. I also found that this language issue, on occasion, altered the tone of the workbook as Shershun altered between light self-revelation to warm encourager to what could likely be considered a more sterile clinical approach. There are, of course, places for all of these in the therapeutic relationship but it comes off differently with the written word.
While Shershun doesn't necessarily say, to her credit, that "Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" is primarily targeted toward women it's worth noting that, as I recall, all of the examples she provides in the workbook are of women. This isn't inherently bad, of course, because most statistics acknowledge greater numbers of women experience sexual trauma. It may come into play, however, because of the subtle nuances needed with male survivors of sexual trauma. I think there's much here for male survivors in terms of mind-body, but I'd say the language around these exercises is definitely more targeted toward female survivors. As someone who presents workshops for disabled survivors of sexual assault, I also couldn't help but wish this issue had been addressed somewhere within the book.
It may sound like I'm being particularly negative around the book - that's far from my intention as should be evidenced by my 4-star review. Having experienced life as a male and disabled survivor of sexual trauma, I perhaps am more in touch with the broad spectrum of sexual trauma and I aspire to inclusivity within healing works. However, there's no denying that Shershun has crafted a valuable workbook of practical, safe to explore exercises within one's personal network of friends and home. While these types of workbooks are ideally suited to those with healthy supportive and/or therapeutic relationships, the simple truth is that not all survivors of sexual trauma choose to or have access to these types of relationships and this workbook provides "at your pace" guidance for healing skills one can explore at home.
For the most part, Shershun chooses her self-revelation well and offers glimpses into her own journey without making the "Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" ultimately about her. While much of this type of work I've done, it's valuable work that can be revisited whenever new challenges along the healing journey arise. Generally speaking, Shershun makes it clear that while this is a step-by-step guide, sometimes our healing journey calls us to move a few steps ahead or behind. Only once did I find her contradicting her own guidance in that she encouraged people to not move forward as "we're not ready for that yet" despite earlier having stated we could work ahead if we felt ready or a need for a particular step or area of work.
"Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook" is a valuable tool for the healing toolbox that will be an important aid for survivors of sexual trauma. While all survivors can benefit from work around mind-body, especially in the area of sexual trauma, those who embrace the mind-body journey will likely most resonate with Shershun's work here.
This is a resource I will undoubtedly refer to again. In fact, I plan to read through it again at a survivor's pace rather than for the contemplation of review. This is a book I want to see if I can lean into more fully as I incorporate Shershun's knowledge and wisdom into my continued healing journey of healthy integration of my mind and body and my life experiences including sexual trauma.
April 25, 2021
I love every bit of this.
Sadly, I know so many people who will find this book helpful. While I love the more scientific books that go into the science and psychology of trauma (which is referenced throughout this book), most of them offer extremely vague recommendations of what to do. They are great for explaining what's happening in our minds and bodies, but the advice we get is to engage or practice:
*Yoga (not all instructors are trauma informed, so it can be triggering)
*Mindfulness (fine line next to toxic positivity, and often ignores the problems)
*EMDR/Brainspotting/HypnoTherapies (which are not accessible to everyone, and certainly not at any time of day)
Here, Erika Shershun offers real, actionable, accessible recommendations to help work through these issues. While I do HIGHLY recommend seeking therapy and practicing yoga, this workbook offers extremely simple advice, and lots of journal prompts, which I find very helpful in working through complicated emotions and reactions.
The notes, questions and writing exercises throughout this book offer a great way to reconnect with the body and identify and work through emotions. Sometimes, just being able to identify and understand our reactionary tendencies, what triggers us and the surrounding emotions can be a struggle. Trauma has a major affect on the body and mind and changes the way we process so many of our daily queues. Stopping to reflect of how we're feeling and why takes some effort.
Throughout this workbook, there are short explanations of the affects on the body including the effects of trauma on the vagal nervous system, and how to identify the types of reactions were having. Erika gives the scientific breakdown in short, easily digestible explanations. Then she gives actionable recommendations to help RIGHT NOW, that isn't simply "imagining" your problems away, "embracing your scars" or any other type of toxic positivity techniques that only make you feel worse later.
There are several journaling prompts, meditations, affirmations, and breathing/physical movement exercises to help identify, sort out and/or release/ease the feelings and combat triggers. The workbook includes links to download the worksheets as well, so you can continue to use the resources over and over.
One thing I particularly appreciate, aside from actionable advice that can be started immediately, without any additional experts or equipment, is how the examples are handled. While there are many examples of traumas from specific people given, I did not find them triggering. The details, while awful, where laid out in a fairly scientific way, focusing on the facts of the incident(s). For me, this seemed far less triggering than other resources which have given first-hand accounts, going into details about the thoughts and feelings during the attack/abuse.
While this book is specifically geared towards sexual trauma, the exercises can truly be used for releasing many types of trauma, using EMDR practices, mindfulness and meditation, exercises you'll see in trauma-informed yoga classes. Moreover, there are sections for advice on handling not only triggers, but FLASHBACKS. She discusses disregulation and disassociation, the guilt and shame that are often misplaced and struggles with intimacy that occur later, when we aren't expecting it.
Overall, this is a workbook I highly recommend. I appreciate the opportunity to read this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am so grateful for this opportunity for my own healing, and to have another resource to offer to others in need. Now excuse me while I go suggest this to everyone I can who might need this.
Sadly, I know so many people who will find this book helpful. While I love the more scientific books that go into the science and psychology of trauma (which is referenced throughout this book), most of them offer extremely vague recommendations of what to do. They are great for explaining what's happening in our minds and bodies, but the advice we get is to engage or practice:
*Yoga (not all instructors are trauma informed, so it can be triggering)
*Mindfulness (fine line next to toxic positivity, and often ignores the problems)
*EMDR/Brainspotting/HypnoTherapies (which are not accessible to everyone, and certainly not at any time of day)
Here, Erika Shershun offers real, actionable, accessible recommendations to help work through these issues. While I do HIGHLY recommend seeking therapy and practicing yoga, this workbook offers extremely simple advice, and lots of journal prompts, which I find very helpful in working through complicated emotions and reactions.
The notes, questions and writing exercises throughout this book offer a great way to reconnect with the body and identify and work through emotions. Sometimes, just being able to identify and understand our reactionary tendencies, what triggers us and the surrounding emotions can be a struggle. Trauma has a major affect on the body and mind and changes the way we process so many of our daily queues. Stopping to reflect of how we're feeling and why takes some effort.
Throughout this workbook, there are short explanations of the affects on the body including the effects of trauma on the vagal nervous system, and how to identify the types of reactions were having. Erika gives the scientific breakdown in short, easily digestible explanations. Then she gives actionable recommendations to help RIGHT NOW, that isn't simply "imagining" your problems away, "embracing your scars" or any other type of toxic positivity techniques that only make you feel worse later.
There are several journaling prompts, meditations, affirmations, and breathing/physical movement exercises to help identify, sort out and/or release/ease the feelings and combat triggers. The workbook includes links to download the worksheets as well, so you can continue to use the resources over and over.
One thing I particularly appreciate, aside from actionable advice that can be started immediately, without any additional experts or equipment, is how the examples are handled. While there are many examples of traumas from specific people given, I did not find them triggering. The details, while awful, where laid out in a fairly scientific way, focusing on the facts of the incident(s). For me, this seemed far less triggering than other resources which have given first-hand accounts, going into details about the thoughts and feelings during the attack/abuse.
While this book is specifically geared towards sexual trauma, the exercises can truly be used for releasing many types of trauma, using EMDR practices, mindfulness and meditation, exercises you'll see in trauma-informed yoga classes. Moreover, there are sections for advice on handling not only triggers, but FLASHBACKS. She discusses disregulation and disassociation, the guilt and shame that are often misplaced and struggles with intimacy that occur later, when we aren't expecting it.
Overall, this is a workbook I highly recommend. I appreciate the opportunity to read this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am so grateful for this opportunity for my own healing, and to have another resource to offer to others in need. Now excuse me while I go suggest this to everyone I can who might need this.
September 7, 2024
Textbook. Definitely a resource I would use for future clients who have experienced trauma.
September 4, 2021
I have always had difficulty with self-help workbooks. In theory, they should be helpful, relevant, and easy to follow. In practice however, finding trauma workbooks that are a good fit for me has been a real problem. For that reason, I approached “Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook: Somatic Skills to Help You Feel Safe in Your Body, Create Boundaries, and Live with Resilience” with trepidation. Could a 208 page workbook really help me accomplish all of those things? I had serious doubts, but I’m happy to report that with Erika Shershun’s expert assistance, I learned more about myself and accomplished more than I ever expected. There are a lot of self-help workbooks out there for victims of sexual trauma but none of them are quite like this one. That’s both because of the author’s writing style and the fact that unlike authors of other workbooks for sexual trauma survivors, she takes a more holistic view of both the manifestation of sexual trauma as both a psychological and somatic condition. Both a gifted therapist and writer, Shershun thoroughly explains and flawlessly integrates concepts of responses to sexual trauma and how they manifest not only cognitively and emotionally but also in one’s body, including dissociation, boundary setting, empowerment, and self-compassion. The workbook manages to be both thorough and easy to follow. Shersun thoroughly explains each exercise and the concepts they are designed to address, including helpful case studies as as examples. I have started working through many trauma workbooks in the past but for various reasons just couldn’t relate to them. However, this book was different. Shersun is not only a therapist but is herself a sexual trauma survivor. I’ve never met the author, but while I was working through the exercises and reading her words, I felt like she was someone who really “got it” to the point that it was almost like having a personal coach guiding me through the healing process.
July 1, 2021
Powerful, practical, and hopeful.
Erika Shershun not only shares her professional expertise and insight as a licensed psychotherapist in practical and easy to understand ways throughout this workbook, but also shares some of her own deeply personal experiences and feelings, as a survivor of sexual trauma. Compassion and empathy is infused on each page and comes across as a gentle knowing of what the reader may have experienced, with guided meditations and tips to process the trauma, while no longer allowing past events to control the present.
With chapters that create a pathway inward, Erika reassures the reader that no one needs to be defined by events of the past. Each chapter builds on the previous one, with practical tips to guide you inward toward reflection and resilience. If you have felt that your life continues to be derailed by past sexual trauma, this workbook will gently guide toward personal healing and inner peace.
Erika Shershun not only shares her professional expertise and insight as a licensed psychotherapist in practical and easy to understand ways throughout this workbook, but also shares some of her own deeply personal experiences and feelings, as a survivor of sexual trauma. Compassion and empathy is infused on each page and comes across as a gentle knowing of what the reader may have experienced, with guided meditations and tips to process the trauma, while no longer allowing past events to control the present.
With chapters that create a pathway inward, Erika reassures the reader that no one needs to be defined by events of the past. Each chapter builds on the previous one, with practical tips to guide you inward toward reflection and resilience. If you have felt that your life continues to be derailed by past sexual trauma, this workbook will gently guide toward personal healing and inner peace.
March 22, 2025
Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook by Erika Shershun is a transformative guide for anyone recovering from the emotional and physical effects of sexual trauma. Drawing on somatic therapy techniques, the workbook provides a step-by-step approach to rebuilding a sense of safety, body awareness, and resilience. The exercises and tools are designed to help readers process intense emotions such as shame, guilt, and fear, while also offering practical strategies for establishing healthy boundaries and managing triggers. Shershun’s compassionate approach emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-compassion and confidence, helping readers reclaim their sense of self and move beyond trauma. This workbook offers a holistic, empowering path to healing, supporting individuals in rediscovering vitality, peace, and hope. A valuable resource for anyone looking to heal from sexual trauma and create a fulfilling, resilient life.
July 1, 2021
An excellent book!
Regardless where you are on your healing journey, just starting or have already worked on your trauma, this book will assist you from feeling a victim to survivor and beyond. Erika Shershun’s writing approaches you with utmost kindness and compassion. She gives you full permission to be who you are and where you are every step of the way. She empowers you and holds out a hand to you to keep you steady. She knows what she is talking about, a survivor herself; her book is well balanced conveying knowledge and understanding as a therapist as well as a survivor to thriving and freedom.
The exercises are well explained and easy to follow. You can take your time and go at your own pace. You too can become free of your trauma and stand strong as the strong and awesome person you are!
Michaela - Survivor - Healer - Michiura Healing Arts
Regardless where you are on your healing journey, just starting or have already worked on your trauma, this book will assist you from feeling a victim to survivor and beyond. Erika Shershun’s writing approaches you with utmost kindness and compassion. She gives you full permission to be who you are and where you are every step of the way. She empowers you and holds out a hand to you to keep you steady. She knows what she is talking about, a survivor herself; her book is well balanced conveying knowledge and understanding as a therapist as well as a survivor to thriving and freedom.
The exercises are well explained and easy to follow. You can take your time and go at your own pace. You too can become free of your trauma and stand strong as the strong and awesome person you are!
Michaela - Survivor - Healer - Michiura Healing Arts
May 26, 2021
I really struggle with self help style books, so a 3 star rating is actually a really good one. Sadly I know way too many people who would benefit from reading this book. It took me awhile to get through, in order to absorb the exercises and reflect on the information the author shared.
I will say that the book wasn't quite what I was expecting. With "Workbook" being in the title, I thought it would be more self reflective than it was. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did contribute to perhaps a less than stellar rating. Some of the exercises felt a little repetitive, but I do feel that overall they are beneficial to those who are struggling with trauma.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I will say that the book wasn't quite what I was expecting. With "Workbook" being in the title, I thought it would be more self reflective than it was. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did contribute to perhaps a less than stellar rating. Some of the exercises felt a little repetitive, but I do feel that overall they are beneficial to those who are struggling with trauma.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2021
Erika's narration provides a gentle, kind, supportive voice. This voice creates a sense of safety that comes through the written word. Powerful support and practical guidance that is easy to follow and accessible. This workbook provides helpful skills for dealing with overwhelming feelings and memories. Erika helps the reader feel less alone by sharing her own courageous journey. Very valuable workbook!
July 9, 2021
"Erika Shershun offers a remarkable resource for therapists to integrate in their clinical work and a valuable resource for sexual assault survivors that builds on understanding bodily responses to sexual trauma and towards reclaiming empowerment. Through somatic-based exercises, Erika illustrates and guides with such compassion and gentleness the process of reconnecting to safety and how the mind-body connection offers a gateway to healing sexual trauma"
September 1, 2022
Erika Shershun does a phenomenal job of educating readers about the nature of sexual trauma, the science behind it, and the gentle inquiry and practices needed to heal. I've been looking for a book like this for quite some time to refer clients to. And I'm supremely glad that this book now exists in the world. I highly recommend this very accessible workbook!
February 18, 2025
Swept along without an oar— this is how it felt before I found this workbook. It takes courage to face the wisdom that is contained within these pages. You will engage with the text, you will have emotional experiences, you will notice yourself changing for the better. It’s a big step just getting the book, I wish you peace.
January 21, 2023
I liked this book. It takes a while to get through and process. It can be triggering, but is also very beneficial in learning to live afterwards.
I didn’t like how many exercises there were. But some people may really like this.
I didn’t like how many exercises there were. But some people may really like this.
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September 14, 2024Dużo świetnych, pomocnych odnośników w tekście (strony internetowe, książki, podręczniki), bardzo wartościowa pozycja, natomiast kompletnie nie pasuje mi forma graficzna tej książki, która po prostu mnie męczyła. To jest pozycja, do której się wraca, a na pewno dawkuje.
June 29, 2021
This book walked me gently through the process of healing with exercises that help me feel safe in my body and establish healthy boundaries. I will revisit this book again and again.
February 13, 2024
This book is an amazing resource, not just for people who have suffered sexual trauma but anyone who is suffering from CPTSD/developmental trauma.
It has a lot of simple yet powerful exercises and practices to help you feel safe in your body and retrain your nervous system so it can move out of fight/flight/ freeze /fawn.
If you are experiencing high levels of emotional distress it would probably be better to use this with the support of a trained professional, be it a therapist, counselor or somatic experience or similarly trained practitioner.
It has a lot of simple yet powerful exercises and practices to help you feel safe in your body and retrain your nervous system so it can move out of fight/flight/ freeze /fawn.
If you are experiencing high levels of emotional distress it would probably be better to use this with the support of a trained professional, be it a therapist, counselor or somatic experience or similarly trained practitioner.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews