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 Newport News, 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.
Counseling for Sexual Assault Victims—Therapists in Newport News, VA
If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape, consider reaching out. The therapists at Thriveworks Newport News have worked with many survivors.
We understand the deep wounds that sexual violence can cause, but we also understanding how strong you are and how much healing you may experience. Call us today or go online to book your first session today.
The Injuries of Sexual Assault
Sexual violence is often traumatizing, leaving victims with both physical injuries and emotional harm. Sexual assault is a very personal experience, and each individual will respond in their own, unique way. However, it is not uncommon for victims to experience…
- Physical Injuries. During an assault, victims may sustain any number of physical injuries, including broken bones, bruises, cuts, and more. They may also become infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or become pregnant.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries. Sexual violence can also do great harm to an individual’s emotions and psyche. Many survivors report that the emotional and psychological harm of the attack has caused more pain than the physical harm. Victims of sexual violence may develop PTSD, and thus, they may experience hyper-vigilance, flashbacks, panic attacks, and more. Victims may have difficulty with other mental health problems, like sleeping or eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. They may also deal with the pain of the assault with self-harm or suicide ideation.
Healing for Sexual Assault’s Visible and Invisible Wounds
During and after a sexual assault, victims often are plunged into deep shame. This shame can whisper (or shout) terrible lies to victims—lies like… it was not that harmful… what did you do to provoke this?… you were asking for it… do not talk about what happened. Often, these lies try to hold survivors back from healing, and thus, for many victims of sexual assault, the first step toward recovering from the assault is acknowledgment. It is important to reiterate that what happened is not your fault. You did nothing to provoke it or ask for it. You deserve safety and healing. When these truths are acknowledged, victims can reach out for help.
Each person’s healing journey is unique, but often, people work with a therapist. A skilled mental health professional can often help people find the treatment they need for their emotional, physical, and psychological wounds. If you are willing to work with a counselor, here are a few ways to find one…
- Before scheduling an appointment, inquire if they have experience helping people who have survived sexual assault. Just as medical professionals have specialties, so do mental health professionals. It may be important for your therapist to have a firm grasp on what sexual assault it and how to heal from it.
- Ask about their therapeutic methods. For example, some therapists use Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TICBT). Others use Trauma-Informed Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Some are trained in both. As a potential client, you should know what methods they will use and what those methods entail.
- During your first meeting, pay attention to how you are feeling. In any therapeutic relationship, it is important that you feel safe. If you feel uncomfortable or you sense any red-flags about the therapist, feel free to choose a different professional.
Appointments at Thriveworks Newport News for Sexual Assault Victims
If you have experienced a sexual assault, you are not alone. If you are ready to get started, so is Thriveworks Newport News.
We offer evening and weekend sessions and also accept a variety of insurance plans. Let’s heal together. Call today to get started or book online with Thriveworks Newport News.
