Regaining Self-esteem

A client of ours was a victim of sexual assault.  She was not only raped by her boyfriend, but was gang raped by her boyfriend’s friends. She received no support from her family who come from a very orthodox background.  Her family labeled her as damaged goods.  Although, she has a Master’s degree, she was gullible enough to allow herself to be sexually assaulted for a whole month.  During that period, she was coerced into signing some papers that got her into trouble with the law.  Her doctor suggested she come see us. 

She was ashamed, guilt ridden, and could not even communicate to us properly.  She thought I would be judgmental and would not believe her. Our task was to empower her and show her ways of coping with her pain and shame. Our counselling program helped her regain her lost self-esteem and confidence. She has come a long way since that first visit and has now started working.  Her voice is stronger, more confident, and she is thinking more positively about her future.