Leone Centre Glossary

Sexual Trauma

Sexual Trauma

Experiencing sexual trauma can have profound and lasting impacts on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Psychosexual therapy offers insights and approaches to help survivors heal and reclaim their sexual health.

Defining sexual trauma

Sexual trauma refers to any sexual act or behavior that is forced upon an individual without their consent. This includes rape, sexual assault, molestation, and other forms of sexual abuse. The impact of such experiences can be long-lasting and complex, affecting both mental and physical health.

Common challenges

Those who have experienced sexual trauma often face a range of challenges including flashbacks, anxiety, difficulty with intimacy, and trust issues in relationships. These challenges can significantly affect their daily lives and relationships.

Therapy benefits

Psychosexual therapy helps survivors understand and process their trauma. It promotes healing through healthy communication, encourages self-compassion, and provides tools to rebuild trust and intimacy in relationships.

Therapeutic approaches

Therapists use various approaches to address sexual trauma, including trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based practices. These approaches aim to help survivors process their trauma, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and improve their overall well-being.

Common questions

What is sexual trauma?
Sexual trauma refers to any unwanted sexual act or behavior that is forced upon an individual. This can include rape, sexual assault, molestation, and other forms of sexual abuse.
How can psychosexual therapy help?
Psychosexual therapy helps by providing a safe space for survivors to discuss their experiences, offering approaches to process trauma, and providing tools to rebuild trust and intimacy.
Is sexual desire discrepancy common?
Yes, sexual trauma is sadly common and can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background.
What approaches are used in therapy?
Therapists may use trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based practices to help survivors heal from sexual trauma.

References

  1. NCBI – Understanding and Treating Sexual Trauma
  2. Psychology Today – Sexual abuse
  3. Verywell Mind: Sexual Trauma
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This glossary provides definitions of various counselling terms and approaches for informational purposes only, without implying endorsement or service provision