How to live after a rape? How to overcome such trauma? A victim of a pedophile network during her childhood, Célia Rombaut had to learn to rebuild herself. Today, proud of the woman she has become, she helps those who fight day and night against this suffering. meeting.
Celia Rombaut is psycho-corporal therapist specialized in the integration of traumatic memories and the awakening of female sexuality. If she has chosen this vocation, it is above all to understand the suffering of her youth. As a child, Célia was the victim of extreme sexual trauma, suffering the violence and perversion of a pedophile gang.
“For years I wandered the world, unable to be in my body and in life. A life force that prompted me to read, explore and then be guided and trained in psychology, body, energy and spirituality.”
Over time, Célia Rombaut has managed to access herself. “Understanding post-traumatic functioning was revolutionary, first for myself, then for my patients.” Today, the therapist shares what she has learned in his book “The layers of the onion” and his YouTube channel. It also created an interactive conference show to make this data accessible to as many people as possible.
Reconstruction after such an ordeal, what does that mean?
As for me, I have devoted my life to it. What I learned was the importance of a holistic approach, encompassing the totality of being (body, energy, psychology and spirituality). It seems to me fundamental, in addition to this openness to our multiple dimensions, to get closer to professionals who specialize in the integration of trauma. It is necessary to go very gradually to avoid reactivating the trauma and the various forms of protection that have been put in place.
I like to talk about an onion layering process and theimportance of consolidation work, that is, helping the person to feel in his body that he is in the present. When she has gained enough certainty, there is a traumatic layer ready to emerge and be integrated. Then a consolidation process is started again. And so on. In this guidance towards solidity, a reception of the early phase of life is essential. It is in the first interactions that the baby builds his foundation of safety and his ability to maintain emotional intensity. Welcome and calm these moments of life gives grounding and confidence and supports the process of creation and integration of new traumatic layers. Thus, guided by a competent, solid and empathetic therapist, the process can descend to the depths of being.
In your book you say that your “word is a cry to the world”. What do you mean?
Today I feel there. I love the woman I’ve become and all areas of my life are aligned with my values. I know great moments of openness, joy and love. Sometimes I am ‘activated’ by past memories that have not yet been integrated. I treat it with kindness and walk on with confidence.
There is in me a strong impulse to testify† My cry to the world is this voice rising to say that it is possible to get out of tetany, anxiety and depression. It is possible to prosper sexually after such violence. And not only is it possible, but going through these trials reveals unexpected gifts. To descend so deep into the horrors, one has to open up so that light and love can only flow in and radiate with all their strength.
What advice would you give to someone who has gone through a difficult ordeal similar to yours?
I recommend it often ICV therapy (Life Cycle Integration). It is a therapeutic method that works very fine on the integration of trauma by alternating consolidation and recovery protocols.
I also invite the person to open up to a holistic approach† Developing awareness of the body, of energy, being open to spiritual dimensions, walking in a therapeutic group… This is the path I propose in my support of women. And again, a first step can be to understand how traumatic memories work. Knowing that our states and reactions are normal consequences of a traumatic event can greatly calm us down, help us feel less alone, and take the step to seek help. I can only encourage this approach with all my being. While it may seem difficult and tedious, it is well worth it!
A valuable testimonial. To discover the book “The layers of the onion” meet here.