Therapy for Survivors
Over half of women and nearly one in three men experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. In the U.S., more than one in three women and one in four men have experienced sexual assault, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
These statistics are both staggering and sobering.
Yet survivors are often not believed, blamed, or left without support. Systemic policies frequently fail to provide adequate resources or prevention measures, and survivors often face limited avenues for justice. Families may be ill-equipped to provide support, and even within the mental health community, many therapists lack proper training to work effectively with trauma survivors.
Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence require a trauma-informed, systemic approach to therapy. Treatment often begins slowly, emphasizing stabilization, resourcing, and safety, while addressing nervous system dysregulation and somatic symptoms in a validating and affirming way.
Therapy also explores the impact of attachment injuries and adverse childhood experiences, which can compound trauma symptoms. Finally, survivors benefit from connecting with safe communities and support networks, such as groups like Healing with Harmony, to reinforce healing beyond the therapy room.
TAILORED THERAPY FOR SURVIVORS
SAFETY PLANNING
I provide tailored therapy for survivors of sexual assault (SA) and domestic violence (DV), with a primary focus on safety planning. My approach includes comprehensive support, from identifying and securing placements in local shelters to connecting clients with trusted organizations such as Peace Over Violence for case management and additional resources.
I guide survivors through legal and bureaucratic processes with care and clarity, using a strength-based, empowerment-centered approach that highlights resilience and personal resources.
UNPACKING HARMFUL NARRATIVES
Survivors are not immune to societal stereotypes and ingrained biases surrounding sexuality and violence. In therapy, we work together to unpack harmful myths about human sexuality, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
Through open, non-judgmental dialogue, clients are empowered to redefine and reclaim their personal narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of healthy sexuality, boundaries, and relationships.
STRENGTHENING FAMILY & COMMUNITY
Healing often benefits from a holistic, systemic approach. In select sessions, I involve family, friends, or loved ones to help build a supportive network for the survivor. We explore personal stories and experiences to challenge harmful biases, dispel shame, and foster empathy within the client’s support system.
This approach not only advances individual healing but also strengthens the broader relational and community context surrounding the survivor
NERVOUS SYSTEM LENS
I emphasize the foundational aspects of healing by addressing nervous system regulation and stabilization for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Trauma profoundly impacts the autonomic nervous system, and I integrate principles from Polyvagal Theory and “bottom-up” somatic modalities to guide clients toward self-regulation.
This may include a range of experiential exercises such as grounding techniques, body scans, gentle movement, sensation tracking, music therapy methods, havening, breathwork, and progressive muscle relaxation. Through tailored interventions and psychoeducation grounded in these approaches, clients develop a deeper awareness of their bodily responses, empowering them to navigate triggers and cultivate a more resilient nervous system.
ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED EMDR
I use attachment-focused EMDR as a specialized approach for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Trauma often disrupts attachment patterns, and EMDR allows us to reprocess distressing memories within the context of a secure therapeutic relationship.
Sessions typically begin with attachment resourcing and nervous system regulation before engaging directly with trauma. This approach strengthens clients’ sense of safety, internal resources, and emotional stability.
Using carefully guided bilateral stimulation, we facilitate the adaptive processing of traumatic memories, promoting a more secure attachment style and fostering resilience. EMDR is integrated flexibly with other modalities including Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Internal Family Systems-informed “parts work,” and psychoanalytic talk therapy to meet the unique needs of each client rather than relying on a standardized protocol.
The Why Behind This Work
I’m not just a therapist; I’m also the daughter and close friend of many survivors. Growing up, I witnessed the profound intergenerational impacts of sexual assault (SA) and domestic violence (DV) on families. It’s always struck me that, despite the staggering statistics revealing the prevalence of SA and DV, we have limited resources, support systems, collective understanding, and preventative measures. Even more disheartening is how often victims of these crimes aren’t believed.
That’s why I began my clinical training at Peace Over Violence, a non-profit organization providing crucial support and services to survivors. I wanted to build my career on a solid foundation of trauma and crisis understanding, contributing my part to a community I deeply care about. Survivors deserve compassion, non-judgement, support, systemic change, and access to trauma-informed therapy.
I stand by survivors. I believe survivors.
LINKS
LOCATION
Danielle Palomares, LMFT
Couples Therapy & Trauma Therapy
Office in Pasadena, CA
By appointment only
CONTACT
(626) 209-9055
danielle@sandovaltherapy.com
