For survivors of a sexual assault, whether recent or in the past, and adult survivors of child sexual abuse, it is common to experience one or more of the following: · feeling unsafe, fearful, startling easily
It is important to know that while experiencing some of the above symptoms is a natural part of the recovery from sexual assault, recovery can be difficult. Support during this time is very important. In addition, some people who have experienced such a trauma develop what is known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) where the trauma response can be re-triggered. They experience it again in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, heightened startle response, intrusive thoughts etc. Whether you have experienced some of or all of the symptoms for a short or long period of time, various kinds of therapy can help in healing from sexual assault and can assist in avoiding PTSD or recovering from it. Sexual assault can have an impact on many areas of your life including feelings about yourself, your relationships with your partner and family, social relationships, and possibly challenges at work. If you are experiencing difficulty in any of these areas, don't panic. Therapy is very effective in promoting recovery and limiting the after-effects of sexual assault as much as possible.
How does therapy help? Therapy can help by providing a safe place for people to work through feelings of anger, fear, helplessness, and grief that can lead to feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or wanting to "numb out." In addition, a therapist experienced in working with sexual assault can help you to consider other factors that may be making your recovery more complicated such as: · beliefs about the sexual assault The specific approach to therapy is usually determined by the therapist's training and theoretical framework. When interviewing potential therapists, do not hesitate to ask about how they think therapy is helpful in recovery from trauma.
In psychoanalysis, Freud's classical technique employing a couch and free association, patients explore and confront troubling childhood experiences. In psychodynamic therapy, the emphasis is on discovering unconscious conflicts, defense mechanisms, and patterns of relationships that hinder current behavior. The goal of interpersonal therapy is to enhance relationships and communications skills. Cognitive therapy is aimed at helping people recognize and change distorted ways of thinking. Behavioral therapy seeks to replace harmful behaviors with useful ones. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a procedure used within a a therapeutic intervention that can help resolve the effects of trauma or abuse by dealing with the meaning a person gives to the experience. Only therapists with special training in EMDR should practice it.
As for choosing a therapist, be careful. Anyone can legally be called a psychotherapist, whether or not he or she has received the training and supervision needed to competently practice. Look for someone licensed or certified in one of the following fields. · Psychiatrists are physicians who have completed three years of residency training in psychiatry following four years of medical school and a one-year internship. All are trained in psychiatric diagnosis and pharmacotherapy, but only some residency programs provide extensive experience in outpatient psychotherapy. · Psychoanalysts have a professional degree in psychiatry, psychology, or social work, plus at least two years extensive supervision training at a psychoanalytical institute. · Psychologists with the credential Ph.D., Psy.D., or ED.D. are licensed professionals with doctoral-level training, typically including a year of clinical internship in a mental health facility and a year of post-doctoral experience. · Social Workers typically hold a master's degree with training and field work in a wide range of human services and mental health settings. Those who seek state certification as clinical social workers need 3000 hours of supervised post-graduate experience as well. · Marriage and family therapists may have a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited graduate training program in the field, or may have another professional degree with supervised experience in the specialty. · Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses who work in mental health settings, often as part of a therapeutic team. Advanced practice nurses have a master's degree and can provide psychotherapy.
How do I pay for therapy? There are several methods of payment for therapy. It is important to explore what your options are for payment. In addition, most therapists and mental health clinics can help with this and direct you to appropriate services. Insurance coverage: It is important to answer at least three questions about using your mental health benefit under your medical insurance. 1. How much does your mental health benefit pay for including co-pays, deductibles, yearly limits and lifetime limits? 2. Are you required to use "preferred providers" and/or do you have any coverage if you choose a "non-network" mental health provider (someone who is not considered a preferred provider)? If you must use a preferred provider, contact your insurance company for a list to choose from. 3. Is your mental health benefit under managed care? This usually means that your insurance company will have to work with your therapist to give authorization for treatment and approval for the number of visits with your therapist. It can also mean that you must use preferred providers. Beginning with these questions will help you to understand your insurance coverage. Some insurances allow you to see any licensed provider you choose, others pay different rates for "preferred" or "in network" providers vs "out-of-network" providers. Some must authorize visits while others do not require this (authorization). In the case of HMO's, you are most often (but not always) required to see one of their network providers and the visits will likely need to be authorized. If you are a member of an HMO, it is often a good place to start by contacting their mental health triage specialists who can direct you to the appropriate therapist for your situation. Some HMO's do have more flexible plans that allow you to see therapists who do not work directly for the HMO. Answering question # 2 will tell you if this is an option for you. Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible people aged 65 and over and for eligible people who are considered disabled. A therapist can tell you if they are a Medicare provider. Medicare Assistance is a state funded program for eligible people who are either on AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) or are disabled. In both situations, a person must be below a certain income to be eligible for Medical Assistance. A therapist can tell you if they are a Medical Assistance provider. In Wisconsin, using your mental health benefit under Medical Assistance means that your therapist will have to seek authorization for visits. HIRSP (Health Insurance Risk Sharing Plan) is an insurance available through the state for people who have been rejected by at least 2 insurance companies for coverage because of pre-existing conditions. For more information regarding eligibility for Medicare, Medical Assistance, or HIRSP, you can contact your county human service agency. Again, therapists and mental health clinics can also help you to sort out your insurance coverage. However, it is best to start by getting as much information as you can from your insurance company. Self-pay: If you do not have insurance coverage for mental health services, you may choose to pay for therapy yourself. While therapy can be expensive, those who can afford to may choose to make this investment in their recovery. Some clinics or therapists will negotiate a reduced fee or a payment plan on an individual basis. In addition, some agencies offer a sliding scale for fees depending on your income. Victim Compensation Program: There is some funding available that can be used to cover mental health services for those who are working with the Criminal Justice System. See Information Page on Crime Victim Compensation.
Reference: Consumer Reports, November 1996 |