Sex-Positive Assessment and Treatment Among Female Trauma Survivors

Abstract

Sexuality and intimacy difficulties are often a part of the aftermath of sexual trauma. We argue that combining techniques from evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment with sex-positive techniques used in sex therapy can best help survivors reduce trauma-related symptoms and develop or regain comfort with their sexuality. In this article, we illustrate this approach by describing the case of a survivor of sexual assault, who completed 20 sessions of treatment that combined modules of trauma-focused therapies, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) with sensate focus therapy, a technique often used in sex therapy. The outcome of this case suggests that clinicians who work with sexual trauma survivors may want to consider a sex-positive approach to conceptualizing and planning the course of treatment, to achieve optimal results.