Psychological Treatment for Sexual Trauma
Sexual assault is a challenging, traumatic experience that can leave deep scars on both the mind and body. Symptoms such as recurring and distressing memories, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in personal relationships are common among survivors of sexual trauma. But you are not alone, and there is hope for healing.
One of my primary specializations is treating sexual trauma. I have researched and specialized in treating complex trauma and sexual trauma. From my experience, I see that through professional treatment and an empathetic approach, it is possible to overcome trauma and live meaningful and fulfilling lives even after such experiences. The process may take time, and the work can sometimes be ongoing and challenging, but the results are rewarding across all areas of life.
Treatment for Sexual Trauma
Sexual violence is a social phenomenon that exists in every society that tolerates aggressive behavior and gender inequality, including Israel. Every year, thousands of women turn to crisis centers for sexual assault survivors after being harmed, and statistics show that one in three women will experience sexual assault during their lifetime.
Sexual assault is any behavior or act of a sexual nature imposed on a woman, man, or child without their consent, against their free will, and not by choice; alternatively, when the sexual behavior/act is carried out by exploiting power imbalances, vulnerability, or young age in a way that undermines the victim's ability to give consent freely. A man, woman, or minor may perpetrate sexual assault.
Treatment for trauma close to the time of the sexual assault may allow for more focused and shorter treatment and prevent damage to various aspects of daily life. The traumatic impact of the assault can be treated using tools from the fields of dynamic psychology, cognitive psychology, and Buddhism.
I am here to provide sensitive, empathetic, and non-judgmental treatment. By creating a supportive and safe environment, I will help you cope with the trauma at your own pace.
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FAQ
What are the steps in the therapeutic process after sexual assault?
Treatment for sexual trauma is a prolonged and gradual process that includes several main stages:
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Establishing therapeutic rapport - In the initial stage, the therapist listens attentively, with sensitivity and empathy to the survivor's personal story, and helps them feel safe and build trust. This is an essential stage before the therapeutic work with the trauma itself.
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Treating acute symptoms - In cases of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, initial treatment will be provided to calm and alleviate acute symptoms.
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Emotional processing of the trauma - The therapist will help the survivor process the challenging experience in a safe and supportive space, allowing them to express emotions, thoughts, and memories through techniques such as structured exposure.
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Changing perceptions and gaining insights - Working on negative self-perceptions created as a result of the experience, understanding that the assault is not "their fault," and treating feelings of guilt and shame.
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Building mental resilience - Acquiring tools and techniques for coping with difficult emotions, thoughts, and memories. Strengthening self-confidence and sense of control.
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Functional rehabilitation - Addressing the impact of the assault on aspects such as sexuality, interpersonal relationships, studies, and work.
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Closure/continuity - Empowerment and preparation for returning to regular life routine as much as possible, including treatment of trauma recurrences if they occur.
Each case and background has specific needs, but this sequence is essential to assist in the overall healing and rehabilitation process from sexual trauma.
How long does treatment for sexual assault usually take?
The duration of treatment for sexual trauma varies from person to person and depends on the nature of the assault. Typically, prolonged treatment is necessary, lasting from six months to several years. In long-term treatments, it's recommended not to expect rapid recovery and to prepare for an extended therapeutic process while remaining open to different stages. It's advisable to share your expectations from the process with the therapist and establish goals for both the short and long term.
The duration of treatment for sexual trauma depends on the survivor's specific situation, the severity of the assault, the degree of symptoms when seeking treatment, and personality characteristics and support environment available to them.
Sometimes, initial work is required for several months to alleviate acute symptoms such as depression and anxiety before processing the trauma itself. Additionally, long-term treatment lasting a year or more may be necessary to work on self-perceptions, mental resilience, and social and emotional functioning.
Survivors with a history of additional traumas or dissociative disorders may require very long-term treatment.
Will I talk directly about the traumatic event in therapy?
Usually, in the therapeutic process following sexual assault, it's essential to speak directly about the traumatic event itself. This is a central and significant part of processing the trauma and dealing with the silence and blame that often accompany sexual assault. However, it's essential to know how this dialogue should be conducted in effective therapy:
First, the pace is personal and determined by the client. Initially, time may pass before there's a readiness to deal directly with the trauma. There's no need to detail everything immediately, and the therapist should support but not rush or pressure.
Additionally, it's not always necessary to tell every detail in graphic form. The therapist adapts the level of detail to the therapeutic needs and the survivor's comfort level. To help cope with the trauma, therapeutic tools will be used to help overcome anxiety and process memories in a guided manner rather than through free storytelling.
Not only are the facts important, but the emotional experience and perceptions created in the aftermath of the event also need to be exposed and processed. Progress should be made gradually - we don't expect all trauma to be treated in one session. This is a process that progresses over multiple sessions.
The therapist will navigate the levels of exposure and emotional intensity so that the survivor can contain and continue to function during the period of processing the trauma in therapy.
Processing the event itself is essential, but it is done while considering the sensitivity involved and the unique needs of each client. The goal is to create a safe space for individuals to acknowledge and process their pain, while also providing them with tools for healing. Treatments that don't recognize the delicacy and sensitivity of trauma exposure can cause harm.
Note that you choose a therapist and type of treatment that doesn't pressure you, explains each step of the process clearly, and doesn't immediately open painful memories in the first session.