Orlando Trauma Therapist Explains Rape Culture Part 3

Written by: Trissa Dodson, LMHC

Have you or someone you care about recently experienced some form of sexual harm? Knowing what to do next, or how to best provide support can feel overwhelming! Sexual violence can greatly affect a survivor’s overall wellness. Learning about Rape Trauma Syndrome can help orient us to what’s going on, and help us see the supportive and healing path forward.

My name is Trissa Dodson LMHC, and I’m a sexual violence trauma therapist in Orlando.

Rape Trauma Syndrome or RTS, is a medical term used to describe a survivor’s response or reaction after being raped or sexually assaulted (or attempted rape or sexual assault). RTS is a natural or “normal” response to trauma for most people! These symptoms are not inherently indicative of a mental disorder or mental illness. Even those who we may consider to be “psychologically healthy people” can experience Rape Trauma Syndrome.

While RTS itself can be a “normal” reaction to sexual violence, these responses tend to feel disruptive to an individual’s “normal” life. It can disrupt a person’s physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual health. It’s also important to note that each individual may respond to trauma differently, and no survivor should be judged on the number of symptoms they do or do not display after being raped or sexually assaulted. 

There are 3 Phases to Rape Trauma Syndrome: You can learn more about RTS and various symptoms from this document written by the RAINN organization.

1. The Acute Phase:

   This occurs immediately after the assault and can last days to several weeks. During this time a survivor is openly emotional. They may experience crying spells, agitation, rage, or anxiety attacks. They may experience shock, which can manifest as disorientation, confusion, poor recall, and difficulty concentrating. During this phase, some may also appear without emotion, or calm, or they may act like “everything is fine,” or “nothing happened.”

2. The Outward Adjustment Phase:

   This occurs when the survivor appears to resume “normal” life on the outside but is still internally suffering or experiencing anguish within. During this time, a survivor might intellectualize or over-analyze what happened or why it happened. They may look at an inability to stop talking about the assault or feel like the assault consumes their entire life and identity. On the other hand, some survivors may refuse to discuss the assault and act like it never happened. Additionally, some survivors may experience constant transitions, such as moving, changing jobs, changing their appearance, and changing social circles or relationships as a means to escape the pain or control it. 

3. The Resolution Phase:

This occurs when the assault is no longer the central focus of a person’s life. This may take months or years to reach depending on each individual. During this phase, the survivor accepts and integrates the assault as a part of their life and can move forward in a healthy way.

Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

Rape Trauma Syndrome is a form of post-traumatic stress. Depending on the health care provider or treatment center, a survivor may receive a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS). While there are key differences between the two, some may find a diagnosis of PTSD to be stigmatizing or possibly harmful due to negative stigmas around mental health issues. 

According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, about 5% of adults in the U.S. have PTSD in any given year. In 2020, 13 million Americans had PTSD. Due to traumatic events like sexual assault, women are more likely to develop PTSD in their lives than men (about 8% of women and 4% of men). Statistics are limited for individuals who identify as a gender outside of male or female, although those with marginalized identities tend to experience greater forms of trauma and stress as a result of various forms of oppression or violence.

Supporting those with Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS)

Recovering from the trauma of sexual violence can be a long and difficult road forward. Knowing about RTS can help contextualize a survivor's behaviors, attitudes, and experiences so that others–friends and family, mental health, legal, and medical professionals, and various community members–can help support the survivor with compassion, patience, and understanding.

If you think you, or someone you know, maybe experiencing Rape Trauma Syndrome, know that you don’t have to battle this alone! I’m available to help you navigate the journey ahead.

Interested in Trauma Therapy Orlando?

When you're ready to start trauma therapy, we’re all here for you. The therapists at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando are here to help you navigate your trauma and support you during your healing journey. To get started with one of the amazing trauma counselors:

1. Fill out our New Client Consultation Form

2. Schedule a consultation call with our Client Care Coordinator

3. Begin your healing journey!

Not Quite Ready for Trauma Therapy Orlando?

Check out our team of specialized anxiety and trauma therapists that are here to help! At Mindful Living Counseling Orlando, our highly trained team will help you gain tools that will help you overcome your trauma. If you’re wanting to read more about trauma therapy, check out the articles below.

Additional Trauma Therapy Orlando Resources

Orlando Trauma Therapist Explains Rape Culture Part 2

Orlando Trauma Therapist Explains Rape Culture Part 1

EMDR Therapy Orlando for a Recent Trauma

Orlando Therapist Shares All About Art Therapy

Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando, FL

At Mindful Living Counseling, we understand that trauma is just one of the many challenges you may be dealing with. That's why we offer a range of therapy services, including Toxic Relationship Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, Teen Therapy, and Anxiety Therapy. We also provide Guided Meditations to support your healing journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is always here to help.

Orlando Trauma Therapist

Trissa Dodson, LMHC is a trauma therapist who specializes in trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, and anxiety therapy. She is also a registered art therapist who offers clients alternative methods of skill development and self-expression beyond traditional talk therapy. When Trissa isn’t working with clients she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog.