Should I See a Sex Therapist if I Have Sexual Trauma?
Sexual trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's life. It can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, as well as difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Sex therapists are trained professionals who specialize in helping individuals overcome sexual difficulties, including those related to sexual trauma.
Here are some ways that a sex therapist can help heal sexual trauma:
Creating a Safe Space: A sex therapist can create a safe, non-judgmental environment where an individual can share their experiences without fear of being shamed or blamed. This can help the individual feel heard, validated, and supported, which can be an important first step in the healing process.
Addressing Emotional and Psychological Concerns: Sexual trauma can lead to a range of emotional and psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A sex therapist can help an individual process these emotions and develop coping strategies to manage them.
Addressing Physical Concerns: Sexual trauma can also have physical effects, such as pain during sex or difficulty achieving orgasm. A sex therapist can work with an individual to address these concerns, often through a combination of therapy, education, and exercises. Sometimes this work is done in collaboration with other professionals, such as a pelvic floor therapist.
Rebuilding Trust: Sexual trauma can erode an individual's trust in themselves and others. A sex therapist can help an individual learn to trust their own feelings and desires, as well as develop healthy communication and relationship skills.
Developing Healthy Sexual Practices: Many individuals who have experienced sexual trauma may have negative associations with sex, which can make it difficult to engage in healthy sexual practices. A sex therapist can help an individual develop a positive relationship with their own sexuality and learn healthy sexual practices that promote pleasure and intimacy.
It is important to note that healing from sexual trauma is a process, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. A sex therapist can work with an individual to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and concerns.
If you have experienced sexual trauma and are struggling with its effects, seeking the help of a sex therapist can be an important step in your healing journey. With the right support and guidance, it is possible to overcome the effects of sexual trauma and reclaim a healthy, fulfilling sex life.
References:
Fisher, C. E., Anderson, G., & Rellini, A. H. (2020). Integrating sex therapy with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for sexual trauma survivors. Journal of Sex Research, 57(7), 805-818. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2020.1789736
Haines, S., Newman, F., & Haines, S. (2007). Healing sex: A mind-body approach to healing sexual trauma. Cleis Press.
Vechiu, C. (2019). The impact of sexual assault on sexual function: Strategies for treatment and prevention. In W. T.
O’Donohue & P. A. Schewe (Eds.), Handbook of sexual assault and sexual assault prevention. (pp. 353–368).
Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23645-8_21
