According to recent studies, approximately one in three women and one in six men experience sexual trauma at some point in their lives.
Despite being such a common experience, sexual trauma is still a taboo subject, leaving many feeling isolated and without adequate support.
In recent years, sexual trauma therapy has become increasingly popular among the public.
The Online Mental Health Reviews team is qualified to write about sexual trauma therapy near you because they are dedicated to providing informative and empathetic guidance on a range of mental health topics.
With a focus on empowering readers and offering comparison information about online therapy services, their team is passionate about helping individuals find the support they need to heal from trauma and overcome other mental health challenges.
If you’re searching for sexual trauma therapy near you, this blog post will cover the basics of what you need to know.
1. What is Sexual Trauma Therapy?
Sexual trauma therapy is a specialized type of therapy that aims to help individuals who have experienced sexual trauma. This form of therapy is intended to provide a safe and comfortable space where individuals can tell their stories, express their feelings, and work through the impact of their experiences on their lives.
Sexual trauma therapy can involve one-on-one sessions, group therapy, or more specialized interventions like EMDR or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
You may also learn more about sexual trauma therapy on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_trauma_therapy).
2. Why is Sexual Trauma Therapy Growing in Popularity?
The #MeToo movement, which gained worldwide attention in 2017, has brought sexual trauma to the forefront of public discourse. It has also given survivors the courage to tell their stories and seek help. As a result, more and more people are seeking sexual trauma therapy services to help them process their experiences and move on with their lives.
There is even a national sexual assault telephone hotline, which you can learn more about here: https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
3. What to Expect During Sexual Trauma Therapy Sessions?
During sexual trauma therapy sessions, the therapist works with clients to help them identify any negative effects the trauma has had on their lives. Therapists equip clients with coping strategies to deal with the triggers and flashbacks related to the trauma.
The therapist also provides support and guidance throughout the healing process, tailoring treatment to the client’s specific needs.
It’s also important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally during recovery from sexual trauma. This includes getting enough rest, eating healthy meals, engaging in activities you enjoy, connecting with supportive people in your life, and seeking professional help if needed.
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after experiencing sexual violence—including fear, guilt, shame, anger, and depression—and it takes time to heal from these feelings. With patience and self-compassion you can learn to cope with the trauma you have experienced and move forward in your life.
4. Where to Find Sexual Trauma Therapy Near You?
When looking for sexual trauma therapy near you, several factors must be considered, such as the therapist’s credentials, specialties, location, and insurance coverage.
There are many resources online that can help you find a qualified therapist or clinician in your area.
If you’re unsure where to start or have questions, reach out to professional organizations like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, your primary care physician, or a trusted friend.
5. The Benefits of Sexual Trauma Therapy
The benefits of sexual trauma therapy are many.
It can help you work through the difficult and painful emotions, such as anger, fear, shame, and guilt associated with sexual trauma, reduce the intensity and frequency of traumatic flashbacks, and improve your relationships by helping you develop new coping skills.
In short, sexual trauma therapy can help you not only heal but thrive in your daily life.
What is sexual trauma?
Sexual trauma is a term used to describe any type of sexual experience that causes distress or harm.
- It can include physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. This type of trauma can occur sexually abused either in childhood or adulthood and can be caused by sexual assault, rape, harassment, or other inappropriate behaviors such as narcissism.
- The effects of sexual trauma vary from person to person and can include feelings of guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Survivors need to seek help to heal from their experiences. Therapy and support groups are two common forms of treatment for those who have experienced sexual trauma.
- If you or someone you know has experienced sexual trauma it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with the effects of your experience.
- The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (800-656-HOPE) provides confidential support 24/7 for anyone affected by sexual violence.
Different Types of Sexual Trauma Therapists
If you are struggling with mental health and want to understand the different types of sexual trauma therapists near you, it is important to know what type of therapy might be best for your needs.
- Trauma-informed therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people who have experienced traumatic events in their lives. This type of therapy can help individuals process the emotions associated with their trauma and develop coping skills to manage their symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another type of therapy that can help people who are dealing with trauma or PTSD. CBT helps individuals with trauma by helping them to identify negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their distress, and then work on changing them.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that is effective in treating PTSD symptoms. EMDR helps individuals process a traumatic event or memory by focusing on certain eye movements while recalling the memory.
It is important to find a therapist who specializes in treating trauma, as they will have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide effective treatment.
You can search online for local therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care or look for referrals from friends or family members who have had success with a particular therapist.
It is also important to make sure the therapist you choose has experience working with people who have experienced sexual trauma specifically, as this type of trauma requires specialized care.
No matter what type of therapist you choose, it is important to find someone you feel comfortable talking to about your experiences and feelings. A good therapist will listen without judgment and provide support as you work through your healing journey.
Where to Find Sexual Trauma Therapists in Your Area
If you are looking for a sexual trauma therapist in your area, there are many resources available to help.
- The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (800.656.HOPE) can connect you with local sexual assault service providers who are trained to provide confidential support and assistance.
- You can also search online for a sexual abuse therapist near you using directories such as Psychology Today or Mental Health Match. These directories allow you to filter by location and specialty so that you can find the right fit for your needs.
- The Sexual Assault Center (https://sacenter.org/heal/types-of-therapy-and-treatment) provides trauma-informed therapy services, rooted in the most current research on trauma. They understand that trauma impacts the whole person and offer individual counseling, group counseling, and other specialized services to help survivors heal from their experiences.
No matter where you live or her life is, it is possible to find a qualified therapist who specializes in helping survivors of sexual trauma heal from their experiences.
With the right support system in place, it is possible to move forward with your life and create a healthier future for yourself.
What Do Sexual Trauma Therapists Do?
Sexual trauma therapists provide support to individuals who have experienced sexual trauma.
They are trained to help people process their experiences and work through the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of the trauma.
Therapy is often an important part of the healing process for survivors of sexual abuse or assault. A 2020 psychotherapy study concludes1 that “there are several valid and evidence-based treatments available for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and interpersonal difficulties that can result from sexual abuse and assault”.
Different types of therapy may be used depending on the individual’s needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, or talk therapy.
Therapists use a variety of approaches to help survivors of sexual trauma, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies.
- CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their distress.
- Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding how past experiences may be influencing current behavior.
- Mindfulness-based therapies involve learning how to observe one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism.
- EMDR was also studied and included as an evidence-based therapy.
Overall, sexual trauma therapists provide an important service by helping survivors of sexual violence heal from their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Discussion of the Role and Responsibilities of a Sexual Trauma Therapist
A sexual trauma therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in helping people who have experienced sexual trauma. They provide counseling, support, and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
- The primary role of a sexual trauma therapist is to provide therapy and counseling services that are tailored to the individual needs of each survivor. This includes providing emotional support, helping survivors process their experiences, and providing guidance on how to cope with the aftermath of the trauma. They also help survivors identify triggers and develop healthy coping strategies for managing them.
- In addition to providing therapy, a sexual trauma therapist may also provide advocacy services such as connecting survivors with resources or legal assistance. They may also work with other professionals such as doctors or social workers to ensure that the survivor receives comprehensive care.
- Sexual trauma therapists must be highly trained to effectively help survivors of sexual violence. This includes understanding the psychological effects of trauma and having an understanding of how different types of abuse can affect individuals differently. Therapists need to create a safe space where survivors can both feel safe and comfortable discussing their experiences without fear or judgment.
If you are looking for help after experiencing sexual violence, it is important to find a qualified therapist who understands your specific needs and can provide you with the best possible care.
Sexual trauma can have a devastating effect on a person’s mental health. Healing from sexual trauma is possible, and several techniques and approaches can help.
One of the most important steps in healing is to seek support. The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (800.656.HOPE or 4673) connects survivors with local service providers who can provide confidential support and resources.
What Percentage of Sexual Assault Victims Experience PTSD?
According to research, an estimated 75% of sexual assault survivors have PTSD one month after the incident.
- In a meta-analysis published in Trauma, Violence & Abuse 2, researchers found that 81% of sexual assault survivors had significant symptoms of PTSD.
- A recent study indicates that 94 percent of women who were raped experienced symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the attack. Sexual assault appeared to be extremely difficult for men as well, with 65% of men who had been raped meeting the criteria for PTSD.
- Victims of sexual violence can experience long-term effects from their trauma. It’s estimated that up to 94% of survivors of rape or sexual assault develop symptoms of PTSD in the first two weeks after the event, leading to around 50% of rape victims having PTSD at some point in their life.
Evaluating a Sexual Trauma Therapist’s Credentials and Reputation
When evaluating a sexual trauma therapist’s credentials and reputation, there are several important factors to consider.
- First, it is important to research the therapist’s qualifications and experience. Make sure they have the appropriate education and training in treating survivors of sexual assault. Additionally, you should look for any certifications or licenses that the therapist may have.
- It is also important to consider your own needs when selecting a therapist. Consider your gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, and ethnicity, as well as cultural background and age when making your decision. You should also make sure that the therapist has experience working with people who have experienced similar traumas as yourself.
- Finally, it is important to read reviews of the therapist online or ask for referrals from friends or family members who have had positive experiences with them. This will give you an idea of how other people view their services and whether they would recommend them to others.
Overall, researching a potential therapist’s credentials and reputation can help you find someone qualified to provide you with the support you need during this difficult time.
Benefits Of Sexual Abuse Counseling
- Provides safety and a space to express feelings: Counseling offers a safe and confidential space to express feelings and talk about the trauma of sexual abuse. A trained counselor can provide validation and support as a survivor works through their emotions.
- Helps develop coping strategies: Sexual abuse counseling provides practical approaches to help survivors cope with emotional trauma. Counseling can help create a sense of control, empowerment and restore confidence in daily life.
- Addresses the impact of trauma: Counseling can help address the various ways that the trauma of sexual abuse can impact a survivor’s life. This includes coping with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, self-esteem concerns, and relationship difficulties.
- Facilitates healing and growth: Sexual abuse counseling can help survivors understand their trauma, work through their emotions, and facilitate personal growth. Ultimately, therapy can help survivors regain control of their lives and move forward in a positive direction.
- Offers hope for the future: Sexual abuse counseling can help survivors to find hope for the future, enabling them to envision a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. By working with a qualified therapist, survivors can access tools and techniques to foster resilience and build a brighter tomorrow.
Seeking counseling following sexual abuse can be an important step in the healing process. Professional therapists can provide the support, guidance, and coping strategies needed to help survivors move forward and reclaim their lives.
Discussion of the Short-Term and Long-Term Benefits of Seeking Treatment for Sexual Health Issues
Seeking treatment for sexual health issues can have both short-term and long-term benefits.
- Short-term benefits may include reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through screening and treatment, as well as addressing any symptoms of sexual dysfunction or disorders.
- Long-term benefits may include improved mental health due to trauma-informed care, comprehensive sexuality education, and prevention and early intervention in youth mental health.
Importance of Investing in Sexual Health as Part of Overall Wellness
Good sexual health includes taking steps to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as using condoms, getting tested regularly, and talking openly with partners about sexual history and expectations. It also means understanding how to make informed decisions about contraception and abortion, if needed.
Investing in sexual health is an important part of overall wellness.
- Good sexual health can lead to improved physical and mental health, as well as better relationships. It can also help reduce the risk of certain diseases and infections.
- In addition, investing in sexual health involves understanding one’s own body and sexuality. This includes knowing what feels good and what doesn’t, being aware of any changes in one’s body or emotions related to sex, and feeling comfortable talking about these topics with a healthcare provider or partner.
How To Use Zocdoc To Find A Sexologist In Any City
Are you looking for an easy way to make appointments with certified healthcare workers in your area?
Zocdoc makes it easy to find a doctor, dentist, or other health care provider.
The Zocdoc site is made with helpful tools like insurance verification, real-time availability, and patient reviews that help you book the right care for your needs.
Our goal is to help you choose a healthcare provider so that you can get the care you need without any extra trouble, and Zocdoc fits right in with that goal.
- Go to Zocdoc.com and choose “Sexologist” as the type of doctor you want.
- Type in the area or zip code where you want to see a sexologist.
- Have a certain insurance plan? You can narrow your search to only show doctors who take your insurance.
- You can narrow your search even more by profession, gender, language spoken, and availability.
- You can look at the accounts of certified sexologists and see if they are available at the time that works for you.
- Look at how patients have rated each professional, read reviews, and check their credentials to find the one who will work best for your needs.
- Once you know who will give you the best care, you can choose a time that works for you. Zocdoc will tell you of important appointments so you never miss one.
Zocdoc knows how difficult it can be to find the right doctor, especially one who focuses on mental health. That’s why it’s Zocdoc’s job to make the process as easy as possible, so all you have to think about is getting the care you need.







How to Prepare for Your First Appointment with a Sexual Trauma Therapist
If you’re considering seeking help from a sexual trauma therapist, it’s important to be prepared for your first appointment. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
- Know what to expect. Before your appointment, research the type of therapy that will be used and how it can help you. It may also be helpful to read up on the therapist’s background and qualifications.
- Write down any questions or concerns you have before your appointment so that you can discuss them with the therapist during your session. This will ensure that all of your questions are answered and that you feel comfortable with the therapist and their approach.
- Think about what topics or issues you want to discuss during the session so that you can make the most of your time together. You may also want to write down any goals or objectives that you have for therapy so that they can be discussed with the therapist as well.
- Prepare yourself emotionally for the session by taking some time beforehand to relax and reflect on why you decided to seek help in the first place. This will help ensure that you are in a good headspace when meeting with the therapist for the first time and will allow for an open dialogue between both parties.
- Make sure to bring any relevant paperwork or documents with you to your appointment such as insurance information, medical records, etc., if applicable.
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared for your first appointment with a sexual trauma therapist and ready to start working toward healing and recovery!
What to Do If You’re Not Satisfied with Your Sexual Trauma Therapist
If you’re not satisfied with your sexual trauma therapist, there are a few steps you can take.
- First, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to switch therapists if you feel like the current one isn’t helping. You have the right to find someone who is better suited to your needs.
- Second, consider talking to your therapist about why you’re not satisfied. If they don’t seem willing to listen or make changes, then it may be time to look for a new one.
- It’s also important to find a therapist who specializes in treating sexual trauma and has experience working with survivors of sexual assault or abuse.
- Third, reach out for support from organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). They offer a national sexual assault telephone hotline (800-656-HOPE) where trained staff can provide confidential support and connect you with local resources in your area.
- Finally, remember that healing from sexual trauma takes time and patience. Consider seeking therapy from a mental health professional such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps survivors discover how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and teach them skills for managing their emotions and reactions more effectively.
- Additionally, there are other ways to heal such as talking openly with trusted friends or family members about your experiences or engaging in activities that help reduce stress such as yoga or meditation.
No matter what path you choose, know that healing is possible and that you are not alone in this journey.
How does Trauma Lead to Hypersexuality?
Trauma can lead to hypersexuality in a variety of ways.
Hypersexualization is a continuation of one’s own trauma response, where the physical and emotional pain intertwines and can leave you more distraught than before. Sexual abuse leaves you feeling alone and frightened, which can lead to an increase in sexual activity as a way of coping with the trauma.
One main cause of hypersexuality after trauma is due to the person’s desire to reclaim their power. The tendency towards hypersexuality appears especially strong among male trauma survivors.
A 2021 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders3 found that hypersexual behavior may be a reaction to past trauma and that it’s linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Where is Sexual Trauma Stored in the Body?
Sexual trauma can be stored in the body in various ways.
- It can manifest as physical pain, such as muscle tension or soreness.
- It can also show up as emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression.
- Trauma can even be stored in the organs, tissues, skin, muscles, and endocrine glands. These parts have peptide receptors that let them access and retain traumatic memories.
Different therapies may be used to help release trauma from the body. Massage therapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, and yoga are all methods that may help with releasing trauma from the body.
Additionally, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is effective for treating trauma-related symptoms.
How do You Recover from Sexual and Emotional Abuse?
Recovering from sexual and emotional abuse can be a long and difficult journey, but it is possible.
- The first step is to acknowledge that the abuse happened. This can be hard, especially if you have been in denial for a long time.
- Once you acknowledge the abuse, it’s important to build a strong support network of people who care about you and will listen to your story without judgment.
- It’s also important to identify activities that make you feel good and permit yourself to do them.
- Journaling can also help process your emotions and understand how the abuse has impacted your life.
- Finally, seek professional help if needed – therapy can provide a safe space for you to talk about your experiences and heal from the trauma.
What Does Sexually Traumatized Mean?
Sexual trauma is an umbrella term used to describe any kind of sexual activity that is imposed on another person without their consent. This can include sexual assault, rape, and other forms of abuse. It can also refer to the physical and psychological challenges endured by survivors of sexual assault and childhood abuse.
When someone experiences sexual trauma, they may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and changes in appetite or weight. They may also feel disconnected from their body or have difficulty trusting others.
It’s important to remember that everyone responds differently to trauma and there is no right or wrong way to cope with it. If you are struggling with the effects of sexual trauma, it’s important to seek professional help from a therapist who specializes in trauma recovery.
What are Sexual Responses to Trauma?
Sexual responses to trauma can be complex and vary from person to person.
Generally speaking, they may include shock, fear, anxiety, confusion, sadness or depression, a sense of hopelessness and despair, frequent crying spells, hyperarousal (feeling constantly on edge), compulsive need for sexual gratification, physical pain response, and a lack of sexual response.
These reactions can be extremely frightening and confusing for victims and survivors of sexual assault.
Sexual Trauma Therapy Near Me Conclusion:
In conclusion, experiencing sexual trauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, but it doesn’t have to hold them back from living a fulfilling life.
Seeking help from a sexual trauma therapist is an essential step in the healing process.
Sexual trauma therapy provides a safe and supportive environment, where survivors can tell their stories, work through their emotions, and develop new coping strategies. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual trauma, please remember that help is available, and healing from and processing trauma is possible.
Finally, our team at Online Mental Health Reviews has covered similar topics you may want to explore, such as: why sex therapy becoming more popular, doctors who are sex positive, the cost of a sexologist session, sexual trauma therapy techniques, sexual abuse victims, the practice of body centered somatic sexology, and the why of sexual therapy.
Sources
- Cowan A, Ashai A, Gentile JP. Psychotherapy with Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2020 Jan 1;17(1-3):22-26. PMID: 32547843; PMCID: PMC7239557.
- Dworkin, E. R., Jaffe, A. E., Bedard-Gilligan, M., & Fitzpatrick, S. (2021, July 19). PTSD in the Year Following Sexual Assault: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 24(2), 497–514. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380211032213
- Fontanesi, L., Marchetti, D., Limoncin, E., Rossi, R., Nimbi, F., Mollaioli, D., Sansone, A., Colonnello, E., Simonelli, C., Di Lorenzo, G., Jannini, E. A., & Ciocca, G. (2021, February). Hypersexuality and Trauma: a mediation and moderation model from psychopathology to problematic sexual behavior. Journal of Affective Disorders, 281, 631–637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.11.100
If You Are In Crisis
If you find yourself in a crisis and need immediate help, it may not be safe to wait for an online therapy appointment. Please call 911 if you fear for yourself or anyone else’s safety. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 right away. Help is available 24/7.
Another option is to call the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-HELP (4357). This free and confidential service is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and helps individuals with mental health or substance abuse disorders find the support they need.
Remember, you are not alone and there is always help available when you need it.