Recovery after sexual assault is individual. Professional support can address distress, daily functioning and the effects of trauma without assuming that every survivor has PTSD. The assault was not your fault.
1. Understanding what you are experiencing
An assessment can help identify whether symptoms reflect PTSD, depression, anxiety or another concern, and what kind of support fits.
2. Working with trauma-related beliefs
Cognitive Processing Therapy, an established PTSD treatment, helps people examine beliefs about the trauma, themselves and the world. This can include thoughts involving guilt or self-blame.
3. Reducing avoidance
For PTSD, Prolonged Exposure helps people gradually approach trauma memories and safe situations they have been avoiding, with a trained therapist. It does not mean returning to unsafe situations.
4. Processing distressing memories
EMDR is another recommended PTSD psychotherapy. It combines attention to trauma memories with structured bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements.
5. Planning care around your needs
Therapy goals may include returning to meaningful activities and addressing the effects on relationships or daily life. If depression, anxiety or substance use is also present, care may involve additional treatment and coordination.
Choosing a clinician
Ask about experience treating sexual-assault survivors, available approaches and what sessions involve. CPT, Prolonged Exposure and EMDR are recommended trauma-focused treatments for PTSD; the choice should reflect your needs and preferences.
Medication or an interventional procedure is a different type of treatment from psychotherapy. Its role depends on the diagnosis and individual evaluation. No treatment can promise a particular outcome or recovery timetable.
If the assault was recent, seek prompt medical care for injuries and time-sensitive health needs. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Care in Fort Worth
At the Institute for Advanced Psychiatry in Fort Worth, care begins with an individualized psychiatric evaluation. Request an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment history.
We can discuss psychiatric care and coordination with your therapist. Learn about PTSD care.
Sources
- VA National Center for PTSD: Overview of Psychotherapy for PTSD
- VA: Sexual Trauma Treatment Options (information for military sexual trauma survivors)