Unmasking Shame, Myths, and Healing for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse: An Interview with Jeremy Sachs

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Unmasking Shame, Myths, and Healing for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse: An Interview with Jeremy Sachs

Curt and Katie chat with Jeremy Sachs, integrated therapist and Narrative Exposure Therapist, about supporting male survivors of sexual abuse. We explore harmful myths and stereotypes, the developmental impacts of sexual trauma, and the systemic and cultural barriers that make healing harder. Jeremy shares therapeutic approaches for early disclosure, building safety, and integrating trauma-specific interventions like Narrative Exposure Therapy, as well as the role of transformative justice in recovery.

About Our Guest:
Jeremy Sachs is an integrated therapist and Narrative Exposure Therapist from London, UK, now based in Glasgow, Scotland. Since the 2010s, he has run services that support individuals living with trauma or marginalisation, helping them to connect and find community. In 2016, he focused on developing therapy services for men, boys, and trans people who have survived sexual abuse and rape. He runs recovery groups and a private practice both online and in-person.

Key Takeaways for Therapists:

• Myths like “men always want sex” or “they must have enjoyed it” are harmful and based on misunderstandings.

• Sexual abuse rarely occurs in isolation—context and systemic oppression matter.

• Containment and safety should precede trauma-specific work.

• Narrative Exposure Therapy can help integrate fragmented memories.

• Transformative justice offers community-based alternatives to the criminal justice system.

Get the full show notes and transcript at: mtsgpodcast.com

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Creative Credits:

• Voice Over by DW McCann

• Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano