Interview with Dr. Erin Berenz: Navigating sexual assault, trauma, and healing

Interview with Dr. Erin Berenz: Navigating sexual assault, trauma, and healing

Dr. Erin Berenz, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago and co-founder of Rebound Health, joins hosts Jacqueline Trumbull and Dr. Kibby McMahon to discuss the complex and often misunderstood aspects of sexual trauma. Dr. Berenz shares her extensive research and experiences working with survivors of sexual assault, shedding light on the nuances of consent and the emotional aftermath that victims face.

She explains how cultural shifts, like the #MeToo movement, have highlighted the ambivalence of consent and how this confusion impacts both men and women. The conversation dives deep into the psychological and physical responses to trauma, including the fight, flight, or freeze reactions that many experience during an assault. Dr. Berenz also discusses the importance of finding the right treatment and support system, whether through therapy or innovative tools like the Rebound app.

The episode is filled with personal anecdotes and practical advice for both survivors and their loved ones, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and support those affected by sexual trauma.