New LA Play Mustang Sally Underlines Crippling Effects of Sexual Abuse

"Statutory rape" is the term. It's harsh for a reason.first place, but I am especially excited when plays
It's a lot more than just "sexual misconduct" ordeal with important dynamics that need to be
"sexual harassment". If it happens to a minor, it'sexposed. With all the hot news stories about sexual
abuse - it's statutory rape. I have been aabuse by female teachers with their male students,
professional, licensed therapist for over 20 years inyou'd think these occurrences are a new "trend." This
the Los Angeles area, and I can tell you that theis a misconception. There is no new sin under the sun.
effects of this crime on the victim's soul and veryUnfortunately, it's been happening for thousands of
identity can be devastating. It forces them to coveryears. Most men and women carry the weight of
themselves with so many layers of protection thatthese sins (sins committed against them by others)
they forget (or fail to discover) who they weretheir entire lives. But they don't need to. There is
made to be. The good news is that there is a roadfreedom if they want it. Yes, it's painful, but not as
back from this abyss. That's what it feels like topainful as a living the rest of their lives under the
many of them - a black mark on their soul. Eachheaviness that keeps them confused about who
person is unique of course, so they'll try on a myriadthey are. This is not what God wants. In fact, after
of exteriors to disguise how they really feel aboutseeing a few cases of abuse while I was still in my
themselves. Many become addicted to drugs, booze,practicum, I decided to name my practice "True
perfectionism and even sex. But inside they feel aIdentity Counseling." I know a lot of people can't
frightening blackness, almost completely void of selfafford one-on-one therapy, so, for nearly 15 years, I
value. And although their victimization might havehave led an eight week Christian based course called
been 20, 30 or 50 years earlier, they feel a deep and"Hope and Healing From Abuse" in Van Nuys,
sharp sense of shame as though it was yesterday.California. The course is designed to help the abused
My job as a therapist is to help them first admitsee the truth about what has occurred, and to give
what happened to them, and to then peel off eachthem the tools to release their burdens. You might
successive layer of self protection as they build upthink that because it's a class setting, there's not
their true self. People have the concept that theenough privacy. Quite the opposite. One lady who I
damage from statutory rape or molestation is worsecounseled individually for several years is now a
on girls than on boys. Not so. Not at all. Boys can behelper in the Hope and Healing series. She says that in
equally devastated by sins committed against theirsome ways, there is actually more privacy in the
bodies and souls. They wonder why they can't haveclass setting, "because they get to sit with
a true sense of peace, a thankful heart, or healthythemselves and mull the new information over in their
relationships. But men are generally less likely to evermind without feeling any pressure to respond
admit they are suffering. In fact, they may not evenimmediately to each point.." Anybody seeing the play,
understand the root of their rage or pain. We allMUSTANG SALLY who has been a victim of abuse,
know the cliché that men are harder to get toor knows someone who has, please feel free to call
the dentist or doctor because they're supposed toTrue Identity Counseling at 818.907-8783. There is
be "tough". Imagine the courage it takes for a manhope and healing! For more about the play,
to admit he needs help and to go to counseling!MUSTANG SALLY, opening at the Whitefire Theatre
That's why I'm glad my friend Tish Smiley isin Sherman Oaks later this year, please visit or
producing the play, MUSTANG SALLY, whichMore articles from this pro: Andrasik, M.A.
addresses this important topic. I love theatre in the