Surviving sexual abuse is an experience that can feel isolating, overwhelming, and emotionally painful. Many can feel a wave of emotions, relive memories that won’t fade, and have a sense that life has been altered.
Millions of survivors have been through the same struggles. However, many have found healing and hope through therapy. The benefits of therapy for survivors of sexual abuse are immense.
Therapy is more than just sitting in a chair and talking. With it, you can find your voice, reclaim your power, and begin to feel whole again.
Here is how therapy can make a real difference in the lives of survivors of sexual abuse:
You Have a Safe Space to Be Heard
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), one person is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in the United States. After an attack, these individuals often experience emotional turmoil as they try to heal from the incident. Fortunately, therapy can help with the process.
One of therapy’s most important benefits is a safe, confidential space where you can share your story without fear. Therapists are trained to listen without judgment. Unfortunately, many survivors are often told to “just move on” or have their feelings invalidated. In a therapeutic setting, you will find support.
These professionals will help you unpack what happened at a pace that feels right for you. For many survivors, this is the first time they’ve been able to tell their story and feel heard.
Making Sense of Trauma
Surviving childhood sexual trauma, abuse by a trusted clergy member, or any other unwanted sexual attack often leaves people with thoughts and feelings that are hard to understand.
You might find yourself reliving the experience through flashbacks or nightmares. Many times, certain sounds, smells, or places trigger overwhelming emotions.
Therapy can help you make sense of these reactions. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are designed to help survivors process traumatic memories and reduce their intensity.
Over time, these tools can help you feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.
Finding and Developing Tools to Cope
Living with the aftermath of abuse can feel like a heavy weight. With therapy, you can develop the practical tools to help lighten that load.
Many survivors use breathing exercises to calm anxiety. Mindfulness techniques are used to help those stay grounded during tough moments.
If certain triggers are a concern, a therapist can help create strategies to navigate past these difficult moments. These coping skills can be used outside the therapy session to take control of your daily life.
Letting Go of Shame and Self-Blame
Sadly, many survivors carry feelings of shame and guilt. In many cases, they believe they were to blame for what happened. Often, survivors relive the incident over and over again in their minds, thinking about what they could have done to change the outcome of the incident.
Trained therapists can help you work through these feelings. They will remind you that the abuse was not your fault. Over time, they can help you replace shame with self-compassion. With therapy, you see yourself not as a victim but as a survivor with incredible strength.
Focus on Healing Relationships
For many survivors, trusting another person can be hard after abuse. You might find yourself putting up walls. Many people avoid any form of intimacy or experience anxiety in close relationships. Therapy is there to work through these issues. During this time, you can focus on building the tools to make you feel safe, respected, and valued in a relationship.
Rediscovering Joy
Therapy is not just about dealing with the past: you work towards building a brighter future.
As you work through the pain and trauma, you can rediscover the things that bring you joy. You might find new hobbies, set new goals, or reconnect with dreams you thought you’d lost.
Therapy shows that you are not defined by what happened to you.
Finding the Right Support System
There are many forms of therapy, and not all of the right fit for you. Many people feel more comfortable and discreet in a one-on-one setting, while some want to be in group therapy sessions with others who have shared experiences
No matter what feels right for you, therapy is a place to find support and feel less isolated in your journey. Wherever you are on your path to healing, therapy can meet you there. Whether you’re ready to take on your trauma or just need someone to listen, there’s a therapist out there who can help.
Therapy is one way to take control of your life. However, seeking justice is another. If you or a loved one have experienced sexual abuse at the hands of another, you may be able to pursue compensation.
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we are always available to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation.