The psychotherapeutic needs of women who have been sexually assaulted

PROBLEM. Despite the significant emotional repercussions of sexual assault, women survivors often avoid formal mental health treatment. Little is know n about why survivors are reluctant to use professional services to facilit ate recovery. METHODS. A descriptive study used content analysis to describe the therapy experiences and self-perceived psychotherapeutic needs of 33 women who surv ived sexual assault by male intimates. FINDINGS. With regard to professional services, the participants were most concerned about the quality of the therapeutic relationship and advised cli nicians to appreciate the strengths and resources women bring to their own recovery. The participants' specific psychotherapeutic needs were influence d by the pervasiveness of the violence in their lives. CONCLUSIONS. Clinicians should not focus exclusively on the amelioration of symptoms but should provide support, validation, and empowerment for sexua l assault survivors who seek treatment.