Sexual therapy is a type of psychotherapy that addresses issues related to sexual functioning, desire, satisfaction, behavior, and relationship dynamics. It can also be used to address the psychological impact of sexual trauma, which may manifest as difficulties in intimacy, trust, communication, pleasure, arousal, orgasm, and overall quality of life. Sexual trauma refers to any experience of unwanted or forced sexual activity that causes emotional distress, including rape, abuse, harassment, coercion, exploitation, humiliation, and objectification.
Trauma and its effects
Trauma is an intense emotional response to a stressful or threatening event, often involving feelings of fear, helplessness, and powerlessness. When someone experiences sexual trauma, they may develop a negative view of themselves, their partners, and sex itself. This can lead to avoidance behaviors such as withdrawal from relationships, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, anger, numbness, isolation, and loneliness. Sexual trauma survivors may feel ashamed of what happened, blame themselves for it, and struggle with intimate relationships. They may feel disconnected from their bodies and experience difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal or orgasm.
The role of sexual therapy
Sexual therapy can help sexual trauma survivors process their traumatic experiences, regain control over their lives, and improve their sexual health. During sessions, a trained professional will assess the client's needs, preferences, goals, beliefs, and values. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual's unique circumstances and may include cognitive-behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapies, mindfulness techniques, breathwork, relaxation exercises, body awareness practices, sensate focus exercises, communication skills training, and relationship counseling.
Approaches in treatment
In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), clients learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts and emotions related to sexuality, such as "I am broken" or "My partner doesn't want me." They practice new ways of thinking and behaving that promote intimacy, trust, safety, and pleasure. In psychodynamic therapy, clients explore childhood trauma, past relationships, and unresolved conflicts that affect present behavior. Mindfulness techniques involve focusing on the present moment, observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. Breathwork and relaxation exercises reduce anxiety and physical tension. Body awareness practices increase awareness of bodily sensations during sex. Sensate focus exercises involve touching and being touched in nonsexual ways to reconnect with the body. Communication skills training teaches how to express needs, desires, boundaries, and expectations effectively. Relationship counseling addresses issues within partnerships that may contribute to sexual difficulties.
Outcomes
Sexual therapy can help survivors reclaim their sexual selves, cultivate self-acceptance and self-love, and build healthy, fulfilling relationships. It can also improve physical and emotional well-being by reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. With time and effort, clients can achieve greater pleasure, satisfaction, confidence, and comfort in their bodies and relationships.
How does sexual therapy address the psychological impact of sexual trauma?
Sexual trauma can have a profound effect on an individual's mental health and well-being, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Sexual therapy is a form of treatment that can help individuals overcome these negative effects by providing a safe space to explore their experiences, develop new coping strategies, and improve intimacy with themselves and others.