Cathi Couslon

I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating children and adolescents who have been sexually abused. I graduated form Salisbury University in 1991 with a Bachelor's in Social Work and in 1992 I received my Master's in Social Work from The Catholic University of America. I began doing trauma work in 1995 while working as a therapist for the Baltimore CountyDepartment of Social Services Treatment Foster Care program. It was a program for children with "severe emotional problems." 90% of the children and adolescents had been sexually abused. In 1999 I left social services and started my own private practice. I am an expert in the field of trauma and sexual abuse and have been in the trenches with some of my patients as they go through the healing process.

In 2002 I began studying martial arts as I was a recently separated mother of two and felt I needed to be able to protect my children and myself. I am a dedicated Kenpo Karate student and I am on my journey to becoming a Black Belt.

However, after 2 years of studying martial arts I still felt as though in a "real life" situation I would not be able to pull of my fancy self defense moves. In October 2004 I found exactly what I needed. And what many of my patients need in order to truly recover from their traumas. My sensei kept telling me I needed to go out to Colorado and take the 3 day RMCAT Training. Well, being a single mother, working full time, and not receiving child support a trip to Colorado was not in the cards. But three other students from my dojo went and came back with a mission - to bring FAST Defense to Baltimore. In October 2004 Bill Kipp came to Baltimore and certified the Baltimore FAST Team. I was one of the students who was at that groundbreaking class. It has changed my life forever. I am no longer afraid that I will not be able to physically protect myslef or my children. It has also changed my life in that I have never been able to verbally stand up to my ex-husband who is emotionally abusive. After the three day FAST Extrav in June of this year I now have the spirit, the power, and the energy form the line.

In realizing the healing effect that FAST had for me I decided to bring FAST to my adolescent patients who needed to move beyond being victims to being spiriteed survivors. Abuse survivors are victimized repeatedly due to their level of fear and conditioning. Passivity and compliance are their tools for survival. They live their lives in fear and are revictimized because they do not believe that they have a right to say no and to protect themselves. On-going therapy with these young women focuses on self-esteem work and assertiveness training. This can take years and years.

In 3 1/2 hours FAST Defense changes lives. Women are taught that they have a right to say no and to defend that right. They are taught to verbalize that right and if all else fails to fight with all of their spirit for that right.

I ran 9 of my adolescent abuse survivors through FAST Defense. Some of the girls I have worked with for years and have felt stuck as a therapist as they have continued to be victimized. What I experienced in that room that day with those young women is the driving force behind my belief and committment to FAST Defense. The power and the strength that walked out of the studio that day was unbelievable. What I saw that day was not only can FAST Defense save lives, it can bring "life" back for those who hae been emotionally dead due to their traumatic histories.

I am honored to be a FAST Defense Instructor and I am equally honored to be a part of such an incredible team here in Baltimore. The people that commit themselves to teaching this program are some of the most incredible and caring people I have ever met and I look forward to being part of a group that has such commitment and drive to help heal and protect.