Our sexuality is the most intimate, private aspect of who we are. Our sexuality has to do with how we feel about being male or female, and how comfortable we are with our body, our genitals, and our sexual thoughts, expressions, and relationships. The good news is that a variety of effective healing techniques now exist to help survivors overcome the sexual repercussions caused by abuse. Sexual healing is an empowering process in which you reclaim your sexuality as both positive and pleasurable. It involves using special healing strategies and techniques to actively change sexual attitudes and behaviors which resulted from the abuse.
Sexual healing can take several months to several years, or more, to accomplish.
It is considered advanced recovery work and thus, best undertaken only after a survivor is in a stable and safe lifestyle and has addressed more general effects of sexual abuse, such as depression, anger, self-blame, and trust concerns. These exercises provide opportunities to practice a new approach to intimate touch. While some survivors are able to progress in sexual healing on their own, others find it essential to enlist the guidance and support of a trained mental health practioner. Professional care is recommended because of the high possibility that sexual healing will stir up traumatic memories and feelings. You don't need to be in a relationship to do sexual healing work.