Sexual Violence

Sexual assault and violence

Sexual assault of any form is considered sexual violence. It can include rape, incest, child molestation, sexual coercion or harassment in the workplace that is non-consensual, and many other forms that don’t fit nicely into psychological definitions. While immediate assistance is critical after an assault, therapy can be useful in helping to resolve the long-term emotional and physical impacts of the assault.

Everyone has a different reaction to difficult or traumatic experiences and this is true for anyone who has experienced sexual assault and violence. Each victim has a unique reaction and may respond in a variety of ways including humiliation, shame, guilt, fear, feeling a loss of control, depression, and grief. Associated behaviors might include sexual acting out, social isolation, self-harm, addiction, and anger.

While sexual violence is life-changing, recovery is possible. Our Healthwise team can help you process your feelings and offer the support you need to heal and feel whole again. Sexual assault and violence therapies we offer include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy
• Post-traumatic stress therapy
• Exposure therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
• Family therapy
• Support groups