Sexual abuse is often a confusing and perplexing problem to deal with, especially when it happens within families. Childhood sexual abuse can be even more painful to deal with. It's been seen that the number of families that are dealing with sexual abuse, both among children and adult, is staggering.
A report that was published by the Department of Health And Human Services in the US revealed startling figures when it came to childhood sexual abuse. They revealed that one in every five girls was being sexually abused. When it came to boys, it was seen that one in every twenty boys was being sexually abused. It's also been seen that when it comes to child sexual abuse, the perpetrator is often someone who is known to the child or their family. By opting for therapy, children and adults alike, who have dealt with sexual abuse, can find relief from their mental and emotional pain. They can learn how to heal from the abuse that they experienced.
They'll also be assured that the worst is over, and they won't have to encounter abuse like that ever again.
Why Sexual Trauma Therapy Is Necessary
Sexual abuse can affect both children as well as adults. Children who were sexually abused can also carry their trauma into their adulthood, unless they find a way to heal. But what exactly constitutes sexual abuse?
If there's any kind of sexual contact between a child and an adult, then this is seen as sexual abuse. Should the adult intentionally touch the child in a way that's deemed sexual, this constituted child sex abuse. In adults, if the perpetrator intentionally touches or tried to engage in provocative behavior with a non-consenting person, this is seen as sexual abuse.
Treating Sexual Trauma
There used to be two main ways in which a therapist can approach treating sexual trauma in an adult or a child. The first of these is called the victim advocacy approach. The second is the family-systems model.
Through decades of research and practice, professionals have seen that comprehensive treatment is needed, to help people deal with sexual trauma. For this, the victim advocacy approach needs to be combined with the family-systems model. In a comprehensive program, it isn't just the child or adult who suffered sexual trauma that's treated. Their family will receive treatment as well.
The child or adult could also be asked to attend counseling sessions that are individualized. For younger children, play therapy will be used. Older children can benefit more from cognitive behavioral therapy. Solution focused forms of therapy or therapy focused on dialectical behavior can also be used.
During the family sessions, the entire family can be helped with processing what has happened. They can also be helped with creating boundaries, that can prevent such situations from even happening again.
Conclusion
Sexual trauma can be difficult to deal with, not just for the victim but for their family as well. When you seek therapy for sexual trauma, you learn how to heal from the abuse, while also developing strong boundaries that can protect you in the future. If you live in Tampa, Florida, then visit Collaborative Therapeutic Services.
A therapy session from Erin Saintil, LCSW, BCBA, Collaborative Therapeutic Services can help you and your loved ones heal from sexual trauma.
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Collaborative Therapeutic Services (CTS) wants to help. We offer a variety of counselling and therapy services, hours, and service providers with diverse specializations. We offer evening & weekend appointments in office or by TeleHealth conferencing.
Have questions? Contact Us Here or Call 813-951-7346. Located in Tampa, Florida. Ask us about our new NEUROLEASE® TREATMENT THERAPY - A cutting edge treatment for releasing toxic emotions.