Sexual Trauma
Other terms: sexual abuse, molestation, incest, rapea
Some people with sexual problems have experienced sexual trauma like sexual abuse, incest, molestation, rape as a child, or adult. Sexual trauma can cause a wide spectrum of sexual problems, including the inability to reach orgasm, lack of interest in sex, vaginismus, fear of intimacy or touching. Research indicates that about one in three women and one in seven men have been victims of sexual abuse as children.
Sexual abuse lacks the essential conditions for a positive sexual experience -- consent, respect, trust and safety. Children who are sexually abused are robbed of the opportunity to explore their sexuality at their own pace. Sex becomes associated with feelings of lack of control, violation, fear and mistrust. During sexual activity the survivor may have "flashbacks," sudden images of the sounds, sights and feelings that are reminders of the sexual abuse. These reminders can interrupt the positive and pleasurable feelings they are having at the time. Some survivors have no memories of the abuse (as a self-protective defense) but will experience fear or aversion to sexual contact, or strong negative reactions during sex that they cannot explain or understand.
Partners can become confused about the emotional distance of the survivor during sex. Sex can become a burden for the survivor and a source of rejection for the partner. Feeling powerless to help, partners can develop feelings of inadequacy or sexual difficulties themselves.
Psychotherapy helps the survivor recover from the effects of abuse by helping them develop trust, express their anger, resolve their feelings towards the offender, overcome their fears. Abuse survivors can learn to feel safe and have healthy, pleasurable sexual experiences.
We encourage you to set an appointment today. We are here to help!
