Sexual assault therapy helps victims heal from their assault and trauma. Sexual assault can take a number of forms, from the abuse of a child to the violent sexual assault of an adult. No matter what kind of experience you or a loved one has had, our therapists in Alexandria, VA will be ready to get to work on helping you find a path toward a better future.
Sexual assault therapy works by helping victims process and move forward from their traumatic experience(s). In addition, it helps one address and manage any resulting mental health challenges from depression to stress, anxiety, poor self-image, unhealthy eating patterns, and more.
Sexual assault therapy often lasts for months to years. However, it can last longer or shorter, depending on the individual’s unique needs.
Counseling for People Who Have Suffered from Sexual Assault in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Counselors, Therapists
The therapists at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) have worked with a number of people who have lived through sexual violence. Our mental health professionals understand that sexual assault brings many forms of harm into an individual’s life, and we are committing to giving our clients the holistic care they deserve.
Sexual Violence: A Difficult Reality
When people understand the different forms sexual violence can take and how frequently it may occur, then this knowledge may help fight the shame that sexual violence can ignite within victims. Sexual assault is a broad term that could mean an individual has experienced:
- Rape is when one person forces or coerces (either physically or emotionally) another person to perform a sexual act that involves penetration. Forced oral sex is a form of rape.
- Sexual Harassment includes undesired sexual advances, unwelcomed solicitations for sexual favors, or talk that has inappropriate sexual overtones.
- Child Sexual Abuse is sexual contact or acts of any kind between a child and an adult. Because children cannot consent to sex, any sexual interactions between an adult and child are abusive.
- Sexual Assault involves actions like unwelcomed sexual touching, groping, or fondling. It also can be attempted rape.
- Incest occurs when one family member sexually abuses, rapes, or sexually assaults another.
- Intimacy Partner Sexual Violence can occur when a spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend perpetrates sexual assault, sexual harassment, and/or rape.
The Wounds of Sexual Assault
When people live through sexual violence, they often are traumatized. Each individual reacts to trauma in unique ways, but there are patterns. Trauma can leave physical, emotional, and psychological wounds. Of course, the physical harm is most visible, but the wounds that are not seen are just as real. Here is how victims of sexual violence may experience side-effects of what they have endured:
- Physical Wounds. Victims can sustain a number of injuries during a sexual assault. They often experience broken bones, cuts, bruises, and more. In the wake of the assault, a victim may discover that the attack gave them a sexually transmitted disease (STD). These are bacterial or viral infections that, like their name suggests, are transmitted through sexual contact. A sexual assault may also impregnate a victim.
- Emotional and Psychological Wounds. Not all wounds from sexual violence are visible. Many, in fact, are not seen, but they are painful nonetheless. Victims of sexual violence frequently report flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They also experience high rates of depression and other mental health challenges such as eating or sleeping disorders. They may cope with the pain through suicide ideation or other forms of self-harm.
Help at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) for Sexual Assault Victims
If you or someone you love has lived through sexual violence, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Alexandria. Our counselors are ready to help.
When you call our office, a scheduling specialist will answer and help you make an appointment—or you can book online to get started.
