If you, your children or someone you know has been abused sexually, you know how difficult it is to get over. In fact, many people suffer their entire lives from the trauma of sexual abuse in childhood. While the physical effects go away with time, it’s the psychological trauma that doesn’t let up on its victims. Psychologists treat sufferers of sexual abuse similarly to the way they treat victims of other types of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in three steps or phases.
Phase one involves getting the symptoms under control, through developing a rapport with the therapist and gaining personal confidence. Maintaining physical health is stressed, especially getting plenty of sleep at night. Medication may be prescribed, depending on individual needs. In phase two, patients are encouraged to talk about what they’ve experienced and release their pent up anger and confusion, while the therapist provides an atmosphere of comfort and trust. Phase three deals with the patient’s experience as it relates to life’s painful events in general and they are nurtured towards creating friendships and a healthy view of her own sexuality.
According to David and Lynette Hoy, professional counselors, many women (and some men), who suffered sexual abuse in childhood, tend to block out those experiences. They become survivors, denying the negative emotions that spring up from deep within them, until they can no longer be denied. Then, the Hoys state, “Something happens in your life to cause you to have to face and deal with the past sexual abuse...because you were victimized...you suffered loss of your virginity...you were assaulted and shamed...you felt you lost your dignity. And that trauma affects you...the way you think and feel about yourself.” Though painful, you must grieve for these losses before you can get on with your life.
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