What Is the Best Sexual Trauma Therapy for Survivors?

If you are a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual violence, you are far from alone. Over half of women and nearly one-third of men have been victims of sexual violence throughout their lives. 

Seeking professional help is crucial for healing from any traumatic experience — including sexual trauma. Working with a therapist who understands sexual trauma can help you navigate and process your experiences, leading to significant improvements in your overall mental well-being. Sexual trauma therapy allows for healing and personal growth, empowering you to move forward from the impacts of trauma.

What are the best types of therapy for sexual trauma? 

The best therapy for sexual assault victims often depends on individual needs, but several evidence-based approaches have been shown to be particularly effective for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from sexual abuse or sexual assault. Here are evidence-based treatment approaches

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a highly effective approach for treating PTSD and trauma in sexual assault victims. It focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping individuals identify and challenge distorted or unhelpful thoughts related to the trauma. In CBT, patients learn to replace negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones, which can reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety often associated with sexual assault. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure exercises are commonly used. Homework assignments are often given to reinforce the skills learned in therapy sessions. CBT can lead to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and help individuals develop coping strategies and resilience.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)

Closely related to CBT is TF-CBT, which was designed specifically for kids or teens who are healing from trauma and their caretakers. Not only does TF-CBT help sexual assault survivors cope with their trauma, but it also allows their caregivers to understand better trauma in general and how to help effectively. 

TF-CBT is based on three phases, which are as follows:

1. Stabilization

In the first phase, stabilization helps sexual assault victims and their caretakers understand trauma, its symptoms, and its effects. Survivors learn emotional regulation, how to express their feelings, and relaxation techniques. This phase focuses on coping with trauma and symptoms, teaching cognitive processing skills to address negative thoughts and beliefs.

2. Trauma narration and processing 

In the second phase, survivors face their trauma directly, guided by their therapist. They revisit and process the details of the sexual assault in a safe environment, learning to view their memories without fear. Caretakers also gain a better understanding of the survivor’s trauma during this phase.

3. Integration and consolidation 

If beneficial, exposure therapy may be introduced in the final phase. Survivors work with their therapist to incorporate learned skills into daily life and develop future safety plans. Sessions with caretakers facilitate open conversations, ensuring ongoing support and understanding.

Keep in mind: If your parent or parents are perpetrators of your sexual assault, they will not be part of the TF-CBT process. In this case, other caretakers may get involved in treatment. 

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)

PE is a cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically designed to treat PTSD in sexual assault victims. PE encourages individuals to confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations in a controlled and safe environment, which helps reduce the power of these traumatic experiences over time. PE involves repeated, detailed recounting of the traumatic event and gradual exposure to trauma reminders, both in vivo (real-life situations) and imaginal (visualization). This repeated exposure helps individuals process the trauma and reduce avoidance behaviors, which are common in PTSD. PE is highly effective in treating PTSD and can lead to significant reductions in symptoms, helping individuals regain control and improve their quality of life.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

EMDR therapy is specialized to treat PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as back-and-forth eye movements, touch, or sound, to help process traumatic memories. This method is based on the theory that the brain stores traumatic memories differently than non-traumatic ones, linking them to intense emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations from the traumatic event. EMDR aims to reprocess these distressing memories, changing how they are stored and reducing their emotional impact.

During EMDR therapy, you will first discuss your traumatic memories with your therapist. The unique aspect of EMDR is that once the bilateral stimulation begins, you do not need to talk during the session. The stimulation helps you access and process the traumatic memories without the need for extensive verbal discussion. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to talk about their trauma.

Over time, EMDR helps desensitize you to the traumatic memories of your sexual assault. The memories may become less vivid, and the associated emotions and physical sensations can diminish. As a result, the trauma feels less intense, and you can begin to heal and move forward with reduced PTSD symptoms.

Why is sexual trauma therapy so important?

If you are a survivor of sexual trauma, seeking treatment is crucial for your overall mental health and well-being. You do not have to continue to suffer from flashbacks, distressing emotions, nightmares, shame, guilt, or any other symptoms you might feel. 

If your sexual assault happened more recently, addressing trauma early might help prevent you from developing PTSD. If you already do have PTSD, treatment is still critical to reduce your symptoms and improve both your functioning and quality of life. PTSD can lead to various mental health complications, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Suicidal thoughts 

What are the important factors to consider when seeking therapy for sexual assault victims?

When seeking therapy for sexual assault victims, it is essential to carefully consider several critical factors to ensure effective treatment and comprehensive support. The impact of sexual assault can be profound, affecting mental health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. Therefore, choosing the right therapist who specializes in trauma, particularly sexual assault, can significantly influence the healing process. Some factors to consider include:

• Specialization: The therapist’s expertise in trauma, particularly sexual assault.
• Evidence-based approaches: Use of therapies like CBT, EMDR, or TF-CBT.
• Experience: Look for experience specifically with sexual assault survivors.
• Approach to treatment: Compatibility of their therapeutic approach with your needs.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a therapist who not only meets your clinical needs but also provides compassionate and effective care tailored to your experience as a sexual assault survivor.

Are there specialized therapy programs for sexual assault victims?

There are specialized therapy programs specifically designed for sexual assault victims. These programs are tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault. Some of these programs include:

Sexual assault crisis centers

Many communities have sexual assault crisis centers that offer a range of services, including individual and group therapy, support groups, and crisis intervention. This kind of treatment center often provides specialized counseling from therapists trained in trauma and sexual assault.

Sexual assault support groups

Support groups provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, connect with others who have gone through similar traumas, and receive support and validation. These groups are often facilitated by trained therapists or counselors.

Hospital and medical programs

Some hospitals and medical centers have specialized programs for sexual assault victims, offering a combination of medical care, forensic examinations, and therapeutic support. These programs ensure that survivors receive comprehensive care in the aftermath of an assault.

University and campus programs

Many colleges and universities have dedicated programs for sexual assault survivors, including counseling services, support groups, and educational programs. These programs aim to support students in navigating their recovery and maintaining their academic progress.

Online and telehealth services

With the increasing availability of telehealth services, many specialized therapy programs for sexual assault survivors are now accessible online. This allows survivors to receive support and trauma therapy from the comfort of their own homes, which can be particularly beneficial for those who may not have access to in-person services.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with sexual assault or other forms of trauma, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including trauma. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing the mental health impacts of sexual assault is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.