Sexual Assault Therapy

Sexual assault has become a crisis, or rather, a problem brought to light from the shadows in recent years. From the #metoo movement, supreme court hearings, corporate boardrooms and high profile media cases, we are now reminded regularly that women are often placed in precarious, and traumatic situations from a young age and that these situations keep happening well into their professional and adult lives. Stats show that 1 in 5 women will be assaulted in their lifetime and 1 in 3 will experience sexual harassment at work or school. Sexual assault and sexual harassment are extremely stressful, terrifying events that can severely disrupt a woman’s life and mental wellbeing for for years.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT?

The impact of sexual assault is deep and scarring.  Survivors may no longer feel safe, may lose self-esteem, feel powerless, and lose the ability to trust others or develop intimacy. The reaction of family and friends (victim blame, minimizing, and rejection) can leave lasting emotional scars and trust issues. The decision to report or not, the response of school, work, police, and medical professionals can also be highly traumatizing. A sexual assault survivor can experience a range of responses.

Many women we see are very successful in many areas of their lives but carry shame, anxiety, and distrust within them. Some common responses we see are repeated memories of the assault that can’t be controlled; flashbacks, or a feeling like she are reliving the moment; nightmares; and difficulty sleeping. Some survivors bury the memory so deep they only remember in glimpses of the memory when it is triggered, but feel the consequences in their daily lives. Other symptoms include headaches, anxiety, PTSD, stress, fear, depression, eating disorders, self injury or even suicide attempts.

Sexual assault survivors may experience feelings of being “on edge,” have trouble concentrating, feel the need to continually watch over their shoulder, or become easily startled. Many feel less interested in things that they used to enjoy; and may feel emotionally numb. Some may withdraw from social interaction or settings.

HOW CAN THERAPY HELP YOU HEAL FROM SEXUAL TRAUMA?

Many women haven’t told anyone about their assault before coming to our office. They have had no safe place to process their range of emotions and have needed to push down their memories and feelings over the years in order to survive and function at school, work and life. By keeping these memories in the dark, many survivors adopt a sense of shame and distain for who they were when assaulted.

The image they have the woman who was assaulted doesn’t match the strong competent woman they are in their daily lives. They may feel their story isn’t as valid as others to share, or that if their friends and family find out they will be looked upon with pity or doubt. Added to these emotions, current cultural trend to “victim-blame” anyone who comes forward publicly makes it nearly impossible to talk about the topic in a public or semi public setting.

At Thrive, we give you the space and the tools to take back your life story, to turn shame into self-love and confidence, and to heal your relationship with yourself and others. Your assault doesn’t have define you or limit you. We can help you move on from reliving the past and help you reclaim your life.

If you are experiencing these issues, feel free to reach out to a sexual assault therapist or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Best Therapy for Sexual Assault Recovery

  • CBT Therapy

    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Sexual Assault Recovery

    CBT is a widely utilized modality focusing on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In sexual assault recovery, CBT helps survivors identify and reframe negative thought patterns, manage anxiety, and develop coping strategies.

    Benefits: Building resilience, addressing trauma-related symptoms, and empowering survivors with practical tools.

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  • EMDR Therapy

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Sexual Assault Recovery

    EMDR involves guided eye movements to process traumatic memories. It's particularly effective in reducing the emotional impact of traumatic experiences.

    Benefits: Targeted at desensitizing distressing memories, reducing emotional reactivity, and fostering emotional healing.

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  • DBT Therapy

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Sexual Assault Recovery

    DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness. It's beneficial for addressing emotional dysregulation and building skills for interpersonal effectiveness.

    Benefits: Aids in managing intense emotions, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and improving interpersonal relationships.

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  • Trauma therapy

    Trauma-Informed Therapy for Sexual Assault Recovery

    This approach recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma on an individual's life. It emphasizes creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

    Benefits: Focused on understanding and validating the survivor's experience, fostering trust, and providing a foundation for healing.

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Online Therapy for Sexual Assault Recovery

Online therapy for sexual assault recovery provides a confidential and accessible space for survivors to navigate the healing process. Utilizing various therapeutic modalities, such as CBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed approaches, this virtual platform offers personalized support, fostering resilience and empowering survivors on their path to recovery. The flexibility of online therapy ensures that individuals can access crucial support from the comfort of their own environment, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of the healing journey.

Meet Thrive’s Sexual Assault & Trauma Specialists

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SEXUAL ASSAULT & TRAUMA FAQs

  • The healing journey after sexual assault varies for each individual. There is no fixed timeline, and recovery is a personal and ongoing process. Seeking support, such as therapy, can provide essential guidance throughout this journey.

  • Sexual assault can have profound emotional effects, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy serves as a valuable resource to address and navigate these emotions, fostering healing and resilience.

  • The prevalence of PTSD among sexual assault survivors varies, but studies suggest a significant percentage may experience symptoms. However, it's essential to recognize that individual experiences differ. Seeking professional help, such as therapy, can aid in managing and overcoming PTSD symptoms and other trauma symptoms.

Feel free to reach out for more personalized information or to schedule a consultation.