Are You Struggling To Overcome The Long-Term Effects Of Sexual Trauma?
Have you survived a sexual trauma, such as rape, sexual or physical abuse or debilitating harassment? Do you often criticize yourself or experience painful feelings of inadequacy? Perhaps you live with some of the physical symptoms of trauma, such as a racing heartbeat, difficulty breathing or sweatiness, especially when harmful memories are triggered. Maybe you wonder why you cannot seem to overcome your memories and overwhelming emotions, even after many years. Have you tried several treatments, but have not yet found lasting relief and healing? Do you wish you could come to peace with your trauma and move forward in a connected and rewarding life?
Living with the after effects of sexual trauma can feel like an endless struggle. In the morning, you may dread going through your routine, worrying whether certain people, places or activities will trigger a painful memory. Throughout the day, you may dwell on your past experiences or seek out ways to numb your memories and emotions, such as drugs, alcohol, food, sex, cutting, or other self-destructive behaviors. As a result, you may find it hard to concentrate at work, at home or with your loved ones or friends. At night, it may be difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep because racing thoughts and nightmares keep you awake, leading to another exhausted, disconnected day. You may feel frustrated that the thoughts and emotions tied to your trauma continue to creep into your life. You may wish you could forget everything that has happened to you and live in a different time and place.
We empower survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault through therapy and mountain biking, creating a sacred cycle of recovery, personal development, and community impact.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), one in six American women have experienced an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. Many more women have lived through other forms of sexual trauma. Among women who have survived sexual trauma, it is very common to experience overwhelming anxiety for decades after the traumatic event occurred. Many women also end up turning to using substances, such as drugs and alcohol, or other unhealthy behaviors to numb the daily stress, fear and pain they live with.
One of the reasons why sexual trauma is so difficult to move past is the fact that it is so stigmatized in our culture. It’s common for women to feel ashamed of what happened to them, and sadly our society often criticizes or disbelieves women who come forward to share their stories. This egregious stigma and shaming commonly causes a secondary form of trauma, through which survivors are faced with not only the violent memories, but also the pain of finding no validation or security in the communities they live in.
The good news is that with multifaceted treatment, no matter what you’ve experienced, it is possible to find healing and move forward in life with confidence. At Sacred Cycle, we are dedicated to helping women like you in Colorado find relief and community through our trauma therapy program.
Thanks to our generous donors, our program costs are offered on a sliding scale, empowering women no matter their financial constraints. During Sacred Cycle’s affordable counseling program, you can connect with fellow survivors, explore the rejuvenating effects of wilderness therapy and receive low-cost, innovative trauma treatment with an experienced therapist in Colorado. We believe our compassionate, open and lively environment will provide you with a safe path to holistic healing.
Our low-cost counseling program has many components designed to help you resolve painful experiences on many levels. The first piece to Sacred Cycle’s program is in-depth trauma treatment offered on a sliding scale. You can choose your own therapist or we can connect you with one of our trusted professional counselors in Colorado, and you will attend 2-3 sessions per month. During these sessions, you and your trauma therapist will work together to understand how trauma is continuing to impact your life and develop an individualized plan to find lasting relief.
The next component to Sacred Cycle’s program is our cycling group. Our group allows fellow survivors to get together on a regular basis for fun and safe mountain biking in the beautiful Colorado outdoors, allowing you to immerse yourself in the present moment, learn helpful breathing techniques, and connect with individuals who have lived through similar experiences.
You will be assigned a certified coach and provided a mountain bike and equipment to use during the course of the program. You’ll also have the chance to reap the physical and mental benefits of cycling and attend workshops where you can learn how to maintain and make improvements to your bike.
Other unique aspects of our affordable counseling program are:
At Sacred Cycle, we understand the painful effects of sexual trauma. We know that even after several years of recovering, you may continue to feel lost and hopeless. No matter how extensive your pain is, we believe that with a strong foundation of support, introspective activity and individualized therapy, you always have hope to find relief and live a rewarding life.
What if I dislike or am unable to participate in mountain biking?
Sacred Cycle will not pressure you into the mountain biking component of the program. Since we have many coaches involved in our program, you and your coach may decide to go on a hike or take part in another outdoor activity that allows you to engage your body and enter the present moment. If you would prefer to slowly ease yourself into learning how to mountain bike, you and your coach can start by riding on bike paths. We will provide you with many options so you can feel as comfortable as possible throughout our program.
I’m worried getting involved in therapy will bring up the pain from my past.
It’s very common to feel wary about entering a trauma therapy program, especially if you have spent many years trying to forget your traumatic experiences. At Sacred Cycle, we will not push you beyond your comfort zone. In addition, our multifaceted treatment approach allows you many ways to get in touch with fellow survivors, therapists and coaches throughout the course of the program. If you ever feel the need to reach out to someone, we are always here to provide you with guidance and support.
Will Sacred Cycle use my name or story in its outreach efforts?
We respect your privacy and will never share your name or your story outside of our group or on social media without your permission.
If you are interested in learning more about Sacred Cycle’s affordable therapy program, please contact us to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have about our program and how we can help you. If you are ready to apply to an upcoming program, visit our application page.
If you are looking for organizations to donate to and are interested in helping us provide low-cost treatment to women throughout Colorado, please visit our donation page to make an online donation.
Julie has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for nearly 15 years. After a brief stint in Minneapolis where she obtained a degree in accounting, she high-tailed it back to Valley without a second thought and has been happily spending her free time rock climbing and mountain biking ever since. Julie strongly supports the community and the mission of Sacred Cycle with a deep desire to help people heal using unique opportunities that mentally and physically challenging sports provide.
Originally from New Hampshire, Mavis headed to Boulder for school and has called Colorado her home for over 20 years. Mavis brings over a decade of ski, bike & outdoor industry marketing and communication experience. She supports the Sacred Cycle mission with empathy and deep understanding of trauma and mental illness. An avid cyclist when it’s not ski season, she is excited to spread the word throughout active outdoor communities.
Jeannine has worked in high-end retail with Betteridge Jewelers in Vail, CO for 10 years. Over this time she has held roles in sales as well as office operations management. Jeannine has been passionately racing bikes for 7 years and has found success in the ultra-distance MTB world. She has competed in 15 ultra-endurance MTB races, ranging from 12 to 25 hours, as well as multiple 40+ mile races. Jeannine strongly supports the Sacred Cycle mission and is excited to spread the word throughout the mountain biking community. Cycling has been an extremely positive influence in her life so she is anxious to share her passion with others.
Lauren Gueriera has been an RN for over 25 years, later becoming a nurse practitioner, and has regularly cared for patients who have been sexually traumatized at some point in their past. For 12 years she worked as the coordinator of two Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs in Westminster and Glenwood Springs. During this time she passionately volunteered her time and expertise to help found the River Bridge Regional Center, an advocacy center for child victims of abuse and neglect serving several counties in western Colorado. Lauren says, “Mountain biking is my favorite activity in the world and it makes my heart and soul happy!” It’s this child-like enthusiasm for riding that Sacred Cycle is so determined to share with survivors and we’re honored to have Lauren on our team.
Mary Lyn Bondlow-Bushong has had a life-long passion for cycling and feels honored to share her enthusiasm and expertise with the Sacred Cycle community. She has coached a championship NORCAL team in Northern CA, taught groups of women to cycle as a Luna Ambassador for Cliff Bar, and has done extensive fundraising for the Breast Cancer Foundation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR and is an IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) guide and instructor. Mary Lyn and her husband live in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Willow began her career in mental health working with at risk youth in 1996 in Boulder, Colorado while studying to get her master’s degree in psychotherapy. After graduating, Willow worked for the Boulder County Mental Health Center providing home based family and individual therapy. She worked for seven years providing direct services, eventually becoming a team leader and clinical supervisor. A native of Los Angeles, Willow then began providing individual and family therapy for clients who struggle with both substance abuse and mental health issues in her home town. After joining Vive in Los Angeles, Willow provided mentor and parent coach services before becoming the team leader. Eventually, Willow’s connection and dedication to the Vive model became evident and was named Clinical Director and then became the Executive Director of Clinical Services. Willow promotes a holistic and integrated approach to therapy and holds the vision that families can change patterns and heal from past wounds. She remains forever passionate about finding creative and effective ways of providing and supporting the therapeutic services for youth, young adults, and their families.
Sara Shainholtz is an outdoor enthusiast, a physician assistant in the emergency room, and breast cancer survivor. Through her work in the emergency room she has evaluated and helped provide resources for women who have experienced sexual trauma; she has seen the depth of impact sexual trauma has on patients. She strongly supports the resources and life changing opportunity Sacred Cycle can bring to women’s lives.
Heather Russell, LPC, founded Sacred Cycle out of a community need and attempt to join passions; cycling and helping others. A therapist trained in transpersonal counseling, sexual assault crisis, and mindfulness awareness, Heather works with adults struggling with severe and persistent mental illness. A survivor herself, Heather found healing through mountain biking, the outdoors and helping others. She longs to share her passion for riding and vision for healing with others on their journey. Heather lives in Carbondale, Colorado and spends her free time pedaling in the mountains.
Jim Francis is a former business executive in coal land management. In recent years, as a volunteer, he has worked for a number of non-profits, and has experience as a treasurer who has been responsible for filing tax returns. A lover of the outdoors, he owns a bicycle, but only competes with himself. He is delighted to run the back office of Sacred Cycle and leave the real work to a group of strong women.