The challenge of myths

Myths related to sexual violence are present throughout society and enter rooms where psychotherapy appointments are held via the dynamic loops of clients and psychotherapists alike. They are also internalised as misconstrued truths about the issue, which are significant barriers to recovery. Therefore, the ability of myths to create dysregulation within selves and societies is explored along with examples given for readers. This chapter includes quotes from survivors of sexual violence in order to supplement the reader’s understanding of the challenge of myths in the recovery process. Three common consequences of internalised myths are blame, shame, and guilt as the truths of survivors are transformed. Descriptions of what each of these are, and how they can manifest for clients, are outlined including ways that psychotherapists can address these. There is an explicit acknowledgement that the weight of traumatic experiences such as sexual violence can disrupt one’s sense of self. As such, the idea of finding the survivor’s self amongst their traumatic material is introduced here, as part of alleviating the damage caused by reductionist myths to a complex societal issue.