Rape/Sexual Assault Counseling

Rape is a traumatic event for any victim, with painful consequences that can last far into the future. In the aftermath of rape, victims often are overwhelmed by intense feelings of fear and personal violation. While those emotions will subside over time for many victims, some will develop long-term psychological disorders as a result of the rape.

Most sexual assault victims go through several adjustment phases as they try to recover from the after effects of their attack. The initial stage of shock and fear usually gives way to a period of denial, during which victims try to deny that they are in emotional pain. Most victims eventually realize the significant impact the attack has had on their lives, and they try to come to grips with their feelings.

Symptoms of rape trauma:

• Rape-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, with symptoms including avoidance behaviors, social withdrawal, irritability, hostility and rage. Victims may re-experience the overwhelming emotions felt during the rape.
• Feelings of vulnerability and loss of confidence.Inability to trust or to experience intimacy.
• Major Depressive Disorder, which can include a depressed mood and feelings of hopelessness and guilt. Sufferers also may have difficulty sleeping and making decisions. Their eating and sleeping patterns may change.
• General feelings of anxiety. Phobic anxiety characterized by irrational fear. Panic attacks.
• Body memories, where the memories of abuse are manifested in unexplained physical problems.
• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the attack.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Substance abuse.
• Eating disorders or other types of self-injury.

If rape victims experience severe or enduring symptoms, they may benefit from the help of a professional counselor. Through rape counseling, victims will come to understand that their intense emotions are a logical outgrowth of their attack. At the same time, they will learn how to cope with the trauma and how to reduce any self-destructive behavior.

Benefits of rape counseling:

• Reduce anxiety and regain your peace of mind
• Improve relationships with loved ones and restore intimacy
• Relieve your depression
• Become less fearful and more trusting
• Curb self-destructive behaviors such as self-injury, substance abuse or eating disorders
• Receive emotional support as you go through any legal proceedings as a result of the attack.

If you are a victim of rape or sexual assault, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. Licensed counselor Jamie Leonard can give you the counseling support you need to mend your emotional wounds and to live a happy life again.