Experiencing sexual trauma is not confined to a single moment—it has lasting, often lifelong, effects on how we experience ourselves, others, and the world around us. Sexual trauma is frequently intertwined with other life experiences, such as childhood abuse and neglect, family dysfunction, substance use, and early attachment trauma. These experiences can profoundly impact our sense of trust, safety, power, and agency, shaping how we navigate relationships and the world—often from a place of self-protection and survival. Over time, they influence and reshape our narratives: Who we are, our sense of worth, and our fundamental belief in our right to safety, love, respect, and choice.
From Silence to Strength offers survivors a structured, supportive space to explore this evolving story of Self and the ways trauma continues to affect their lives today. Building on the knowledge and skills introduced in the workshop series, this group delves into powerful themes such as grief, relationships, trust, and self-perception. Through guided discussions, activities, and between-session reflections, members are encouraged to examine how their trauma lives within them and reshape their narratives.
The group culminates in a meaningful opportunity for each participant to share a chosen part of their story—whether that be a shift in self-perception, an aspect of their trauma history, or another significant piece of their healing journey. The final sessions are dedicated to this sharing process, providing space for connection, support, and collective healing.
Cost per session:
$70
Schedule:
Time, day, and start date are determined based on group enrollment and participant needs.
Duration:
8–9 weeks
2-hour sessions
Eligibility: Participants must complete a Group Readiness Assessment and attend the 4-part Physiology of Trauma and Coping Strategies series before joining.
Christie has been a practicing therapist since graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work in 2007. She became a Clinical Social Worker in 2010 after completing her post-graduate clinical hours at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, Allegheny County’s sexual violence crisis and treatment center. While initially focused on the treatment of sexual violence over the lifespan, Christie has expanded over her years in practice to treating trauma in many of its varying forms, including from accidents, illnesses, traumatic loss, domestic and intimate partner violence, traumatic birth, combat exposure, and moral injury. Christie specializes in the treatment of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C- PTSD) and in the many ways trauma survivors adapt their lives to cope with the overwhelming experiences inherent to ongoing Post Traumatic Stress.
Christie transitioned to private practice for several years before beginning a four-year journey with a local Vet Center near Pittsburgh, which is part of the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System. This is where her love for group therapy really began. It was here that she had the opportunity to develop and pilot a curriculum for group therapy for Military Sexual Trauma survivors. She adapted the curriculum for all sexual trauma survivors once returning to private practice in 2021.
Christie currently works full time as a private practice therapist providing individual, romantic partner(s), and group therapies. She is also fully trained in the use of EMDR as a tool in the recovery process.
Olivia graduated from Carlow University in 2010 and has worked as a therapist in a variety of settings since. Olivia started her career in BHRS /autism services and mobile therapy, provided school based therapy in the Pittsburgh Public School and, continued to work in Forensic outpatient providing rehabilitative counseling to offenders. She found her internship at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape to be the most influential to her career and has focused her clinical practice on counseling survivors of abuse and has expanded working experience in working with treating trauma in many of its varying forms, including from accidents, illnesses, traumatic loss, domestic and intimate partner violence. Olivia finds supporting survivors on their healing journey has been an immense privilege and honor.
Olivia is a fully Certified EMDR counselor and holds an International Certified Gambling Counseling Certification. In her free time, Olivia enjoys connecting with friends and family, reading books, spending time in nature, baking, learning new hobbies, and spending time with her dog , Indy.
Collective Wellness
20 Cedar Boulevard
Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
