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.
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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?
How can psychosexual therapy help?
Is sexual desire discrepancy common?
What approaches are used in therapy?
References
- NCBI – Understanding and Treating Sexual Trauma
- Psychology Today – Sexual abuse
- 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