Sexual Trauma Effects On Sandra

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Sexual assault and abuse comes in many different forms, and does not have to include physical contact to fall into this category. Every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted (cite). In addition, more than half of the perpetrators are known by the victim James & Gilliland, 2017). These are staggering statistic to say the least. There also appears to be an uptick in sexual violence against Transgender Students(cite) As a counselor understanding sexual trauma will ena The Sexual Trauma Effects on Sandra The effects of sexual trauma can range from mental, emotional to physical and in many cases all three. One aspect that I feel is important to understand as a counselor is that at times I may not visibly see any effects of sexual trauma, …show more content…

Coming forward with this information can often place the survivor in a situation where they must defend their reputation and sense of self. Often time the sexual violations go unreported due to the ridicule that the survivors are faced with. As a counselor, it is important that I have empathy, understanding, and can connect with my client in hope of stabling a strong rapport and trusting therapeutic experience. As intervention that I would apply in Sandra’s case is Cong Group therapy Cultural, Ethical and Legal Issues An ethical framework must be utilized by the counselor when working with clients of sexual trauma (Cite). ACA Code of Ethics, A.4.b, personal values state the significance of the counselor not imposing their personal values, beliefs, or attitudes onto their clients (ACA, 2014). The well-being of the client is the primary focus. However, as a counselor in my attempts to help my client I can inadvertently cause more harm to my client. This due in part because once the survivor decides to move forward with charges against their perpetrator, participation in the legal system may adversely affect recovery for the victim (Vonk, 2000). ACA Code of Ethics, A.4.a speaks to the importance of Avoiding Harm and Imposing Values on clients (ACA, 2014). Pressing charges against the perpetrator is a difficult process. The question becomes just how far do I as a counselor go to help my client, while honoring my ethical, legal, and cultural responsibilities, understanding,