If you don't talk with a counselor or therapist in the emergency room, you will probably want to contact one later as you sort through your emotions following the attack. Ask your doctor, religious advisor, friends, or rape crisis center for a referral, or; call one of the mental health associations listed in your telephone book.
Some people still believe you have to be "crazy" to need or want therapy, or that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Don't be led astray by such misconceptions; some problems are too serious to handle alone.
Like everyone else, doctors and therapists have their own beliefs about sexual assault, rapists, and their victims. Look for a counselor with experience treating women like you, and ask up front how he or she feels about rape perpetrators and victims.
It is also appropriate to ask about how much therapy will cost, when payments are due, and whether treatment is covered by insurance. Counseling can be expensive, particularly if you must continue for a long time; but low-cost or free services are available if you cannot afford the usual fees. You are under no obligation to continue treatment if the therapist makes you feel uncomfortable.
Both psychotherapy and medical therapy can help you deal with emotional problems. The most common medical treatment employs prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, to relieve your symptoms. Antidepressants work by changing the level of chemicals in the brain that are believed to be responsible for moods. If you are prescribed an antidepressant, be prepared to wait. Most of these drugs take time to work, and it may be weeks before you feel any improvement. For panic attacks, the doctor can prescribe drugs such as Klonopin, Paxil, Xanax, and Zoloft. Zoloft also helps relieve posttraumatic stress disorder.
Only a doctor can prescribe these drugs for you. He or she needs to monitor your response to make sure they are helping you and not causing unpleasant or dangerous side effects. Discuss all medications and your reactions to them with your doctor, and be sure to call the office if you have questions or concerns.
Physicians, psychologists, social workers, and licensed counselors all can provide psychotherapy. You may choose one-on-one, family, or group counseling. (Some women's centers have groups for survivors of rape or incest.) "Behavior Therapy" is often helpful in treating conditions such as fears and phobias.
In therapy, you will have a chance to talk about what has happened to you and to vent your anger. You may also learn coping skills, relaxation techniques, communication skills, and techniques for controlling your rage.
Therapy doesn't have to be formal. Some women find that reading, self-help programs, volunteer work, and social activities help them recover. Others need to confront their rapists. Sometimes writing about the attack and your feelings during and after it can be therapeutic. If you decide to prosecute your attacker, keeping a journal can also help you sort out what to tell the police or your lawyer.
Will therapy cure your problems? There are no guarantees. It helps to know that you're not alone, that someone understands what you're going through and knows how to deal with it. Chances are you'll begin to feel better after a few sessions, although most rape victims find that time in itself is also a great healer. Give therapy a try and see if it enables you to regain control over your body and your life.
