Explaining this reaction as a common characteristic of a post-traumatic syndrome, often provides clients with a sense of relief. Teaching clients and their partners specific coping strategies to deal with these intrusions may further help to mitigate these distressful reactions. Before a client actually engages in sexual techniques to enhance functioning, it is important to step back and identify the triggers that generate negative perceptions and sensations. The therapist can address the negative beliefs the client has about her sexuality and sex in general with the goal of creating a positive meaning for sex and developing a positive self-image. A second critical goal of the first phase of treatment involves identifying and diffusing triggers which create overwhelming feelings of disgust, anger, or produce flashbacks or dissociation.
Triggers can be certain words, sensations, or smells.
Once a trigger is identified, the client may, in the early stages of work, wish to avoid them and focus on positive experiences. Exposure techniques such as systematic desensitization may help the client achieve these goals. Client and therapist can assess that the stimulus in and of itself is not frightening only the memory associated with it. Lastly, clients may find it useful to ride through bad moments such as dissociation or flashbacks with a lover's help and return to love-making. This can reinforce the attitude that the past cannot dominate the woman and her lover.