Reframing Guilt through Expressive Arts: A Hero Self Exercise for Adult Women Survivors of Sexual Assault

Leah Pulli, LAPC LACMH NCC

2026 | 37th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference

Survivors of sexual assault frequently internalize guilt narratives shaped by rape culture, self-blame, and trauma-related cognitive distortions. Persistent self-blame is associated with shame, depression, and PTSD symptom severity.

To decrease guilt narratives through affirmations and expression of guilt character
- Externalize guilt through writing guilt thoughts “guilt narratives” on one side of paper
- Illustrate guilt as a character/symbol
Therapist reads guilt affirmations for SA survivors in closing
On the second side of the paper (session #2)
- Draw themselves/representation of self as a protector
- Write about strengths, values
- Write reframes counter-statements to guilt narratives (similar to “guilt affirmations” provided by therapist in prior session)
Subjective reporting and clinical observations show linguistic themes of increased self-trust, self-compassion, perceived capability, self-forgiveness, and cognitive flexibility.

Affirmations for Guilt

My body’s responses were automatic survival responses, not choices.
I did the best I could with the resources I had at the time.
There is nothing I could have done that would make me deserve harm.
Guilt is a common trauma response - it does not mean I am guilty of anything.
I am allowed to release guilt that was never mine to carry.
I am allowed to move forward, even if part of me still feels conflicted or confused.
I deserve safety, care, and understanding.
I am allowed to take up space, feel angry, feel sad, or feel nothing at all.
I am reclaiming my body and my story at my own pace.

Client Expressive Art

About Presenter: Leah Pulli

Leah Pulli, LAPC (DE, PA) is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Better Minds Counseling & Services, where she provides individual and group therapy to adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and relational challenges.

Leah is especially passionate about supporting adult women survivors of sexual assault and abuse. She recognizes that trauma often leaves survivors carrying misplaced guilt and shame, and she is deeply committed to helping clients reclaim their narratives with compassion and empowerment.

In addition to individual therapy, Leah values the healing power of community and facilitates group spaces where survivors can reduce isolation, build connection, and strengthen their sense of agency. Her clinical approach integrates trauma-informed care with expressive arts interventions to support nervous system regulation, identity reconstruction, and post-traumatic growth.

Her poster, “Reframing Guilt through Expressive Arts: A Hero Self Exercise for Adult Women Survivors of Sexual Assault,” highlights a creative, strengths-based intervention designed to help survivors externalize guilt, access resilience, and reconnect with their inner strength.

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rosemont College
B.A. Psychology, Widener University
Leah approaches therapy with a calm strength and genuine compassion that helps clients feel seen and supported, especially when life feels overwhelming. She brings years of experience working in higher levels of care, including addiction treatment, crisis support, and trauma recovery, and understands firsthand how healing isn’t always linear, but it’s always possible.
Before joining Better Minds, Leah provided therapy to individuals navigating addiction, trauma, and recovery at a leading treatment center. She’s also worked directly with survivors of sexual assault, offering compassionate care during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Through these experiences, Leah has developed a deep understanding of resilience, empathy, and what it means to truly hold space for someone’s story.
Her approach blends evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused strategies with a strong belief in meeting clients where they are. Whether she’s helping someone rebuild after trauma, manage anxiety and stress, or find stability after periods of chaos, Leah creates a safe, grounded space to explore, heal, and grow.
What sets Leah apart is her ability to balance professionalism with humanity; she listens without judgment, empowers without pressure, and helps clients rediscover the parts of themselves that feel lost or hidden.
Her work is guided by the belief that healing begins when you feel safe enough to be yourself, and that’s exactly what she offers each person who walks through the (virtual) door.
Leah is currently a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) in Delaware and Pennsylvania.
- Delaware - AC-0010499
- Pennsylvania - LAPC | APC001295
While she works towards her full licensure, she is supervised by Brittany Webb, LPC LCPC CCATP
She is also a member of:
• American Psychological Association
• American Counseling Association
• Pennsylvania Psychological Association
• Greater Philadelphia Area Counseling Association