Paul Gilmartin

Mental Illness Happy Hour

Paul Gilmartin

  • #259 Merritt Stewart LCSW on Sexual Trauma

#259 Merritt Stewart LCSW on Sexual Trauma

Friday 8th January 2016

Merritt Stewart discusses supporting survivors of sexual trauma, navigating legal systems, and promoting healing on 'Mental Illness Happy Hour'.
Explicit
153 minutes
Empowering
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Thought-provoking

About this podcast

Mental Illness Happy Hour
Author:
Paul Gilmartin
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
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Merritt Stewart: Helping Survivors of Sexual Trauma Heal and Navigate Life

Often, if the client's going to trial, then he or she is pretty much okay with having records subpoenaed which will sort of back up the narrative, but it's hard to feel like, if there isn't a satisfactory outcome, that you haven't somehow failed that person.
How do you support someone who has endured the unimaginable? In this powerful episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', host Paul Gilmartin welcomes licensed clinical social worker Merritt Stewart to share her extensive experience in advocating for and counseling survivors of sexual trauma. Based in NYC, Stewart dives into the intricate process of helping survivors heal, both emotionally and legally. She offers practical advice on navigating the often daunting legal system, emphasizing the importance of challenging internalized shame and guilt.
Stewart highlights that survivors are never at fault for their trauma and encourages them to foster healthy self-talk and self-care practices. The conversation also touches on the complexities of parenting and setting boundaries in the aftermath of trauma, as well as understanding PTSD, dissociation, and recognizing eating disorders. Stewart candidly discusses the duality of survivors' experiences, acknowledging that positive interactions with abusers can complicate the healing process.
By providing a safe space for these difficult conversations, Stewart validates the nuanced emotions that survivors may feel. The episode also delves into the challenges faced by survivors in the legal system, where even supportive evidence may not guarantee a favorable outcome. Stewart stresses the need for continued support through legal proceedings and beyond, offering insights into handling unsupportive or abusive family dynamics.
This episode is a treasure trove of information and resources for anyone affected by sexual trauma, offering hope and practical tools for healing and recovery. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the survivor's journey and learn how to better support those who are healing from sexual trauma.