Sexual assault is traumatic. And if you’re a survivor of sexual assault, it can have long-lasting effects on your mental health.
In fact, it’s common to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following sexual assault — and you’re not alone. These feelings are valid and normal, and you don’t have to manage them on your own.
Therapy can be a valuable resource to help you heal and move forward with your life. Our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates offers confidential, compassionate telehealth therapy for people who have experienced assault, and we’re here to help.
The primary goal of therapy is to create a safe and supportive space for survivors to process their experiences and emotions. Our trained therapists help you work through whatever feelings you’re experiencing — whether they’re feelings of shame, guilt, self-blame, or something else entirely.
Through therapy, sexual assault survivors can learn coping mechanisms and self-care techniques to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. A few of the most effective methods of therapy are:
CBT is a goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. As a survivor of sexual assault, CBT can help you reframe negative beliefs you may have about yourself and the world around you, and develop healthy coping strategies to move forward.
EMDR is another type of therapy that can be helpful for survivors of sexual assault. It involves recalling traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, like specific eye movements or tapping. The goal of EMDR is to desensitize you to those traumatic memories and help you process the trauma in a way that is less distressing.
For many survivors, group therapy is a valuable resource. Organized group therapy provides a supportive environment where you can share your experiences with others who have been through similar situations. Participating in group therapy can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community during recovery.
Therapy can make a big difference for people who are survivors of sexual assault, but seeking therapy is a personal decision. Healing from sexual assault is a process that looks different for everyone, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to go to therapy if you’re not ready.
In fact, there are plenty of ways to support the healing process in addition to therapy. Engaging in regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness practices, like meditation and deep breathing, help you manage symptoms of PTSD. You might also find it helpful to engage in creative pursuits to express your emotions, like writing or art.
It can also be helpful to seek out support from loved ones. Trusted friends and family members can provide a listening ear and invaluable emotional support in an understanding and non-judgmental way.
No matter how you choose to heal following sexual assault, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are resources available to help you, and we’re ready when you are. To learn more about therapy for sexual assault or to schedule your first appointment, contact Boston Neurobehavioral Associates today.
