here are many types of therapy which can treat sexual abuse survivors. A therapist can assess a person’s situation and determine which treatments are most appropriate. In some cases, a therapist may use a combination of strategies.
The following therapeutic approaches are commonly used in treating sexual abuse:
Depth therapy focuses on a person's unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories. In therapy, a person can learn how their unconscious emotions affects conscious behaviors. As self-awareness increases, a person can learn to recognize and change problematic behaviors.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) uses subtle eye movements to help “rewire” the brain. EMDR can change the way the survivor processes the memory of the abuse. This way, the memory feels less present and threatening.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach survivors to abandon dysfunctional thinking patterns and behaviors. In therapy, survivors may work on reducing anxiety through mindfulness exercises.
Play therapy can help young children who have encountered sexual abuse. Young children may not understand what happened or be able to articulate their feelings. Play therapy can help children express their emotions and help them process difficult memories.
Sex therapy can help adults who may have intimacy issues after recovering from sexual abuse. It is not recommended for people still learning to cope with the trauma. Sex therapy can assist couples or individuals. Sessions are strictly verbal, although a therapist may suggest exercises to do at home.
In general, therapy sessions are confidential. Exceptions occur in cases of child sexual abuse. If a therapist has reason to believe a child is being abused, they are required by law to report said abuse to the authorities. Pediatricians, school teachers, and other professionals are also required to report.
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