"Over the years, I've worked with hundreds of individuals recovering from sexual trauma, The one thing almost everyone has in common at first, is that they just want to "forget" it happened. Yet, that strategy never works."
-Dr. Chantal
Trauma Healing Recovering from Rape, Sexual Assault, and Childhood Sexual Abuse
Sexual victimization is extremely unfair. Perpetrators of sexual crimes generally have neurological structures that impair their capacity for empathy. So they literally can not feel or imagine what the victim may have felt like. So, in most cases, they go on living their lives as if nothing happened.
But for the victim, it's an entirely different story! They're essentially left "holding the bag", Then have the work and the expense of healing, and if they don't do that work, they will be the ones to continue to suffer.
It's entirely normal to try to move on and pretend it didn't happen. It can sometimes feel that acknowledging it or spending time talking about it makes it more real and gives it more power. After all, most people don't want to think of themselves as victims.
But sexual trauma does not only cause psychological injury, it causes spiritual injury. Untreated, it affects us deep in our souls somehow. I get it; I've been there. I'll show you the way out.
Do you Offer EMDR Therapy For Trauma?
We do not. Here's why:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that has gained popularity for the treatment of trauma, including sexual trauma. However, like any therapeutic method, it has faced criticisms and debates. Some of the criticisms and concerns regarding EMDR in the context of treating sexual trauma include:
Empirical Support: CBT, narrative therapy, and other established approaches for treating sexual trauma have a robust body of research supporting their effectiveness. Unlike EMDR, the empirical evidence for these methods is extensive, demonstrating their efficacy in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Clear Theoretical Framework: CBT and narrative therapy are grounded in well-established theoretical frameworks. CBT addresses trauma-related thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through structured techniques, while narrative therapy helps survivors construct empowering narratives about their experiences. These clear frameworks enhance therapeutic understanding and client progress.
Flexibility and Tailoring: CBT and narrative therapy offer a high degree of flexibility and customization. Therapists can tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. This adaptability ensures that therapy aligns with an individual's specific experiences and goals
Empowerment and Resilience: Narrative therapy, in particular, emphasizes a strengths-based approach, helping survivors recognize their resilience and agency in the face of trauma. This focus on empowerment can be particularly beneficial in restoring a sense of control and self-worth.
Ethical Considerations: Concerns have arisen regarding the potential for variability in EMDR therapist training and ethical practice. CBT and narrative therapy, with their established guidelines and ethical standards, offer a higher level of confidence in the quality of care clients receive
Comprehensive Skill Set: CBT equips clients with a range of practical coping skills for managing trauma-related symptoms. It includes techniques for addressing negative thought patterns, managing anxiety, and promoting emotional regulation, ensuring clients have a comprehensive toolkit for recovery.
Long-Term Benefits: CBT and narrative therapy focus on equipping survivors with skills they can use beyond therapy sessions. This emphasis on skill-building and resilience can contribute to long-term healing and the ability to manage challenges in the future.
In conclusion, while EMDR has garnered attention for its potential benefits, there are compelling reasons to favor established, evidence-based approaches like CBT and narrative therapy in the treatment of sexual trauma. These methods offer a strong empirical foundation, clear theoretical frameworks, flexibility, empowerment, and ethical safeguards, making them valuable options for survivors seeking comprehensive and effective care.
To learn more about the criticisms and potential problems with EMDR, see this article.
What are some Other Therapies for Sexual Trauma That you Offer?
In addition to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), we also offer the following treatments for sexual trauma:
Client-Centered Therapy: Focusing on the client's unique needs, preferences, and goals is crucial. Therapists should prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance to ensure clients feel validated and understood.
Psychoeducation: Providing clients with information about the effects of trauma, common reactions, and the therapeutic process can help reduce feelings of confusion and isolation.
Exposure Therapy: For some clients, gradual exposure to trauma-related triggers, under the guidance of a therapist, can help reduce avoidance and desensitize them to distressing memories.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching clients mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help them manage symptoms like anxiety and hypervigilance.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT skills can be valuable for clients struggling with emotional regulation and interpersonal difficulties resulting from trauma.
Group Therapy: Some individuals benefit from group therapy settings, where they can connect with others who have experienced similar traumas, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing isolation.
Art Therapy and Creative Expression: Non-verbal modalities like art therapy, music therapy, or expressive writing can provide alternative ways for clients to process their experiences and emotions.
Self-Care and Coping Strategies: Empowering clients to develop self-care routines and coping strategies can enhance their ability to manage distressing symptoms outside of therapy.
Empowerment and Resilience Building: Focusing on clients' strengths and resilience can help them regain a sense of agency and hope.
Family and Relationship Therapy: In cases where trauma has impacted relationships, involving family members or partners in therapy can be beneficial to improve communication and support.
In the face of sexual trauma, sexual assault, and sexual abuse, the path to healing can often seem daunting. But it's important to remember that healing is not only possible but a journey filled with strength and resilience. With support, understanding, and therapeutic guidance, individuals can mend the wounds of the past and emerge even stronger.
Therapy for Men Who Were Victims of Sexual Assault and Abuse
- According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 1 in 6 men will be a victim of sexual assault in their lifetime (that we know of!). This means that about 2.78 million men in the United States have been sexually assaulted.
- Of male victims of sexual assault, 92% know their perpetrator. The most common perpetrators are intimate partners, family members, and friends.
- The effects of sexual assault on male victims can be devastating. They may experience a range of emotions, including shock, anger, guilt, and shame. They may also have physical and psychological symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping.
If you are a male victim of sexual assault, please know that you are not alone.
How Therapy Can Help Men Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse or Sexual Trauma:
Therapy is a crucial source of support for men who have endured sexual abuse or trauma. It provides a confidential and secure environment where individuals can confront their emotions, mend emotional wounds, and regain a sense of control in their lives. In therapy, men have the opportunity to address the intricate emotions and psychological hurdles often associated with such traumatic experiences, such as guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression.
A proficient therapist can guide survivors on their path to recovery by offering validation, imparting coping mechanisms, and nurturing resilience. By providing unwavering support and a roadmap towards understanding and healing, therapy empowers men to reestablish their sense of self, rebuild trust in relationships, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives free from the shadows of past traumas.
