Therapeutic methods after sexual trauma — what does science say?

How does trauma after sexual violence manifest?

The effects of sexual trauma reach far beyond fear. They include shame, guilt, disgust, anger and helplessness. They can cause sleep disturbances, recurring memories (flashbacks), hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders of the event, and dissociation. What happened to you IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

First-line therapies — the best documented

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT focuses on the distorted beliefs that develop after trauma — about safety, trust, control and self-worth. Recommended by the APA (2017) and the WHO (2013).

Prolonged Exposure (PE)

Gradually becoming familiar with the emotions and memories connected to the trauma. It reduces their emotional intensity and prevents flashbacks.

EMDR — eye movement desensitisation

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories. It works without the need to recount the event in detail.

Second-line therapies

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Somatic Experiencing (SE) — working with the body when verbal processing is difficult
• Psychodynamic therapy

Complementary methods

Trauma-sensitive yoga, TRE (tension and trauma releasing exercises), mindfulness, art therapy and support groups can be a valuable complement to individual therapy.

What to avoid

How to choose a therapist?

• Check their credentials in working with trauma and sexual violence
• Make sure they use evidence-based methods
• Pay attention to a trauma-informed approach — safety, empathy, the client's sense of agency