Sexual & Emotional Abuse

Domestic problems are a very prevalent issue, but they don’t always involve physical violence. For survivors of sexual and emotional abuse, Rein Center offers unique and holistic treatments to boost your self-esteem and reduce symptoms associated with trauma in Iowa City, Iowa, and you can get them in person or via telehealth. Call Rein Center or schedule an appointment online for more information on counseling for sexual and emotional abuse today.

What are sexual and emotional abuse?

Sexual and emotional abuse are two very severe sources of trauma that can happen in relationships. These forms of abuse can come from a family member, friend, romantic partner, or anyone else in your life that has close access to you. The two can happen separately or concurrently.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves sexual contact or activities that happen without the consent of at least one of the participants. It can happen in a single incident, or it can be a long-term pattern. Either way, sexual abuse can have devastating long-term effects on your mental health. 

Emotional abuse

Sexual and emotional abuse are often intertwined because emotional abusers may weaponize sex or feel entitled to it. Yet, emotional abuse can stand on its own, too. It often involves manipulation, gaslighting, and controlling behaviors. It can be highly impactful on your self-esteem and emotional well-being. 

What are the long-term effects of sexual and emotional abuse?

While sexual and emotional abuse are two separate types of abuse, they can have similar effects that last for years, even after the abuse has come to an end. 

Sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or both types together can be a major source of trauma. Many people with trauma develop a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its symptoms include:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Recurrent memories and rumination
• Major emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the abuse
• Avoiding thinking about or talking about the abuse
• Low self-esteem
• Hopelessness
• Feeling detached from your friends and family

Rein Center provides in-depth psychiatric evaluations to diagnose trauma and PTSD. Your provider can also diagnose other mental health conditions that arise as a result of your trauma, like depression and anxiety disorders. 

Which treatments can I get for the long-term effects of sexual and emotional abuse?

Rein Center provides compassionate care to help you cope with the trauma of sexual or emotional abuse. Almost every care plan involves some form of psychiatric counseling. The specialists at Rein Center use evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. 

You might also benefit from wellness services at Rein Center to increase your sense of well-being and self-esteem after periods of abuse. Services like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can help you recenter yourself and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. More intensive treatments like ketamine therapy are also available. 

Call Rein Center or schedule an appointment online for more information on sexual and emotional abuse today.