Sexual Abuse Therapy in Schuylkill Haven

Experiencing sexual abuse is one of the most distressing events an individual can encounter, and the traumatic impacts of sexual abuse can last for a long time. Getting professional help is often necessary.  

In this guide, we’ll discuss the impacts of sexual abuse trauma, professional help for sexual abuse survivors, the benefits of sexual abuse therapy, and sexual abuse therapy in Schuylkill Haven.

What Are the Impacts of Sexual Abuse Trauma?

According to the CDC, at least one in three women and one in four men have experienced sexual violence at some point, often with lasting trauma, which can significantly impact a person’s mental health. Survivors of sexual trauma may experience the psychological effects throughout their entire lifetimes. 

Individuals who have experienced traumatic sexual events often suffer various mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, anger, trust issues, low self-esteem, feelings of shame and guilt, and PTSD. Further consequences may include self-harming behavior, substance abuse, fear of intimacy, relationship issues, codependency, and unwanted behaviors toward family members and loved ones. 

Without treatment, the effects may persist indefinitely. Having a trained professional to work with can give sexual abuse survivors an outlet to discuss and work through the impacts of the trauma they experienced.

Professional Help for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Though sexual abuse trauma can feel like an isolating experience, you don’t have to face it alone. Support groups can help you realize that you’re not the only one. You can share and discuss various coping skills and effective ways to move forward. The most common type of professional help involves outpatient psychotherapy, featuring self-management strategies as well as specialty treatments like trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR), which is particularly beneficial for survivors of sexual abuse. Some therapists may also use other methods such as progressive counting (PC) and/or the Flash technique to alleviate trauma symptoms.

Benefits of Sexual Abuse Therapy

Symptom management strategies such as anger management, mindfulness, yoga, etc., can be helpful in supporting calm and stability, and improving coping skills. Working through the trauma with a skilled therapist with specialized expertise can help to process and heal from the trauma, and reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

Seeking Help? Connect with a Therapist in Schuylkill Haven Today

Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute (TICTI) has an expert therapist in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. If you’re interested in beginning therapy, contact us to connect with our experienced and compassionate therapist in the Schuylkill County area to begin healing from sexual abuse today.