Sexual assault (SA) in the U.S. is hitting alarmingly high rates. According to RAINN, every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Following SA, it can be difficult for victims to pick back up and carry on with their lives. Trauma therapy can be an integral part of the healing process following SA. Let’s look at some of its benefits.
Learn Coping Skills
Following any type of traumatic event, a person will often feel stuck. The traumatic event brings their life to a standstill. Moving past trauma doesn’t mean “getting over it;” rather, it means learning how to continue living as the person you now are. A traumatic event can change you fundamentally, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a fulfilling life. Trauma therapy can teach you the coping skills you need.
Reclaim Sexual Health
One of the most significant ways that SA impacts a person is through their sexual health. Having a deeply negative sexual experience can cause sexual health issues that continue for life if you don’t seek out treatment. Sexual challenges are a very normal reaction to sexual trauma, but a person doesn’t have to stay stuck there. Therapy can help a person separate their sexual assault from a healthy sexual life.
Relieve PTSD Symptoms
An SA event can cause PTSD in many people. Symptoms of PTSD can include trouble sleeping, trouble eating, startling easily, nightmares, and reliving the experience over and over. When you’re paired with an experienced therapist, such symptoms can be managed.
Reclaim Behavioral Health
It’s not uncommon for people who’ve experienced SA to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. These can include self-destructive behaviors and addictions. Therapy can help a person reclaim their behavioral health and start making authentic choices that reflect who they are as a person rather than simply relying on unhealthy coping.
Sexual assault can affect the survivor for years following the event. Self-destructive behaviors and debilitating PTSD symptoms can steal a person’s power and change their life, but trauma therapy can help. If you’d like to learn more about SA therapy and treatments, turn to our team at Trauma Healing NW today. Our priority is to help you learn, heal, and grow to become the best version of yourself. Get in contact with us today to schedule an appointment.