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ForwardHealing the Wounds: Treatment Planning for the Long-Term Effects of Sexual Violence
October 22, 2023
Abstract
Sexual trauma can have profound and lasting effects on survivors, impacting their mental, emotional, and relational well-being. This presentation aims to outline a comprehensive psychotherapeutic treatment plan specifically for the enduring effects of sexual violence. By addressing the unique challenges and needs of these individuals, this treatment plan aims to facilitate healing, promote resilience, and empower survivors on their path to recovery. The presentation will explore the distressing and pervasive long-term consequences experienced by survivors. While the immediate aftermath of such violence is often extensively studied, less attention has been given to the long-term consequences experienced by survivors, including the physical, psychological and social ramifications they may face over time. A study of the physical effects extends to chronic pain, sleep disorders, and somatic symptoms, including eating disorders, that can persist for years, impacting their overall well-being. Moving beyond physical consequences, the presentation delves into the profound psychological effects that sexual violence survivors often experience in the long run. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, dissociative and addictive or self-destructive behaviors are among the enduring psychological burdens survivors may carry. The presentation also addresses the stigmatization and victim-blaming often faced by survivors, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and shame and be experienced as a trauma on top of a trauma. It also discusses the potential impact on survivors' interpersonal relationships, including difficulties with trust, intimacy, sexual challenges, and forming new connections. The presentation will delve into the key components of the treatment plan, corresponding with the effects and symptoms previously outlined. By providing a roadmap for effective intervention, it aims to equip mental health professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the psychotherapeutic treatment plan for survivors of sexual trauma. Ultimately, this presentation seeks to enhance the well-being and recovery of survivors, fostering empowerment, resilience, and the restoration of their sense of self.
Potential to Distress:
Yes
Target Audience
Intermediate
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the long-term impact of sexual violence on the survivors, including physical, psychological, and social.
- Recognize categories of behavior that indicate a high correlation with being a victim of sexual violence
- Differentiate immediate short-term goals from long terms to promote a scaffolding of healing
- Treat patient as a whole and not get caught up with treating a symptom
- Formulate a treatment plan that will treat the symptoms of sexual violence
Presenter: Faige Flakser, LCSW, MSW
Presenter Bio: Faige Flakser, LCSW, MSW, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional working in private practice in New York City. Faige’s social work experience has always been in the field of trauma, across the dissociative spectrum, starting with foster care and domestic violence and now works with adult survivors of childhood abuse, including former cult members and individuals with DID.
Faige has studied extensively the art and science of trauma work, by training in specific modalities that treat trauma, including EMDR, Somatic therapies, Polyvagal, and IFS, where she also facilitates trainings for other clinicians. Faige graduated from the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy’s Trauma Studies Program, and subsequently came back as faculty to supervise and teach. She has been an active part of the Trauma Training Committee before stepping up as director.
Faige studied at ISSTD’s Advanced Studies for Trauma and Dissociation and eventually joined the faculty as well. Additionally, Faige chairs the Organized and Extreme Abuse (OEA) SIG, and is the chair-elect of the Professional Training Program.
Faige combines her knowledge, experience, passion and skills to help her supervisees, trainees, and most of all, her clients.
Participants attending this session in full will receive 1.5 continuing education credits.
Available Credit
- 1.50 APAThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- 1.50 ASWB ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
- 1.50 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.