Let’s kick things off with the good news. Even though this topic covers something no one should ever have to experience, for those who have, recovery is possible. Post-traumatic growth is possible. With the right support, you can process the trauma and reclaim your life.
Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Sexual Trauma
Sexual trauma can include:
- Rape and sexual assault
- Molestation during childhood
- Incest
- Sexual exploitation
Sexual harassment - Intimate partner sexual violence
- Persistent unwanted sexual attention
- Sexual exploitation online
Maybe you’ve heard this already, but it’s critical you understand: none of this is your fault. Even though the violation is incredibly personal, ultimately, it says nothing about who you are. And doesn’t even come close to tarnishing your inherent worthiness as a human being.
The Lingering Effects of Sexual Trauma
Sexual abuse often leaves the victim with lasting feelings of shame, blame, and being damaged.
The experience is such a profound violation with highly convoluted and confusing aspects to it. If the attack was violent in nature, it can leave you fearful and flood you with vivid destabilizing flashbacks.
It affects self-esteem. Sexual trauma can leave some people numb, asexual or hypersexual. Many use food or other substances to numb the pain. And, if it occurred in childhood, sexual trauma can stunt brain development and hinder the ability to form healthy relationships. It can also interfere with the ability to regulate emotions.
How you interpret the experience, what you make it mean about yourself, often plays a part in the lingering effects as well.
This is why it’s incredibly important you find a therapist who specializes in treating sexual trauma. Someone with the knowledge, skills and experience to guide you through the pain and confusion, and help you reclaim your life.
Therapist for Sexual Trauma
In order for treatment to be effective, you need a therapist you’re comfortable with. Someone you trust, someone who instinctively knows what will be the most impactful treatment approach.
At the Relationship Therapy Center, we have a team of top-notch professionals who have helped others move through some truly awful experiences.
We believe that every relationship you have with other people is a reflection of the relationship you have with yourself. Therefore, it’s imperative that your relationship with yourself be as healthy and loving as possible. We work with you to eradicate any feelings of shame, blame, fear, distrust, whatever it is that has a negative impact on your life.
One of the powerful aspects of healing from this type of trauma is the depth in which you get to know yourself. Sexual abuse leaves a deep wound, but you get to heal that wound.
With your therapist’s guidance and support, you get to love and nurture and know yourself in a profound way, a way that not many people arrive at on their own. Healing from the abuse leaves you stronger and equips you with a level of self-understanding few possess.
If you have experienced sexual trauma, it’s crucial you get help. Find a therapist who has experience working with people who have gone through something similar. Again, make sure you’re comfortable with the therapist so you can develop a solid rapport.
If you’re in Northern California or are interested in virtual sessions, give us a call. At the Relationship Therapy Center, we’re here for you whenever you need us. Our primary goal is supporting you.
Begin Trauma Therapy in the Sacramento Area or Online:
Are you ready to find peace and healing after trauma? We are here to support you and provide high-quality evidence-based trauma treatment to people in the Sacramento Area and online for people living in the state of California. To begin trauma therapy in Fair Oaks, CA or Roseville, CA, please follow these steps:
- Reach out to our relationship therapy clinic for a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about trauma therapy.
- Meet with one of our compassionate trauma therapists.
- Begin trauma treatment and regain control in your life.
Other Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to trauma therapy, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Individual therapy services include, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones heal and grow.