Synopsis
In this intimate 5 part interview series, Sara Banyan and her former trauma specialist, Will Randle, LCSW, shine a light on the epidemic of childhood sexual abuse and how to end the cycle of shame. This conversation is a deep dive into the aftermath of childhood SA, how talking about the abuse is helping survivors, and ways that families, friends and mental health providers can help survivors attune after abuse.
Our goal is to help survivors understand what happened was not their fault, they are not alone, and there is hope for healing.
Let’s end the shame and start the dialogue.
Sara Banyan and Will Randle, LCSW
It's an Epidemic
1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach age 18.
3.6 million cases of child abuse are reported every year in the U.S. – childprotect.org
The effects of child sexual abuse can be long-lasting and affect the victim’s mental health.
Victims are more likely than non-victims to experience the following mental health challenges:
- About 4X more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse
- About 4X more likely to experience PTSD as adults
- About 3X more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults
Meet Sara and Will
Sara Banyan – Filmmaker, Survivor
No one could figure out why when Sara was 9, she attempted suicide. Middle child of a psychiatrist dad and psychiatric nurse mom both studied experts in Freudian and Yungian psychotherapy (her father was on Oprah) her attempt was labeled as something to get attention. Sara was psychoanalyzed from the time she was a child which only separated her further from herself. After dozens of psychiatrists, therapists, & psychotherapists over the course of 3 decades failed to find what was at the bottomless well of pain finally a psychiatrist referred Sara to a LCSW specializing in extreme trauma, Will Randle. Very quickly while working with Will in a way she had never experienced, what came to light was that Sara was molested pre-verbally. All traditional psychotherapy missed it and in fact retraumatized her repeatedly. Sara had some of the best psychiatric care available for decades but it proved ineffective, detrimental, and costly. Within a few sessions with Will, after a lifetime of looking, Sara finally had answers and those led to a path of healing.
Will Randle, LCSW – Trauma Specialist
Will has been working with survivors of trauma, abuse, and extreme experiences since 1998. Many of whom have Complex PTSD due to childhood abuse/trauma.
He ground his understanding of how people work – and how they heal – in human physiology and Buddhist practices more than in traditional psychology.
Adverse experiences affect people physically and emotionally, often beneath language’s ability to express.
This physical approach is the basis of the trauma work he did with Sara. He has worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples.
He attended Ohio State University for his graduate degree, and lived and practiced in Los Angeles for some time before returning to Columbus.
Who Is This For?
This conversation is for:
Survivors
Family Members
Friends
Mental Health Professionals
& First Responders