Childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault can cause PTSD.  This can cause a range of difficulties that might include some of the following:

 

- avoiding or being frightened of sex

- approaching sex as an obligation

- experiencing negative feelings such as anger, disgust, or guilt with touch

- having difficulty becoming aroused or feeling sensation

- feeling emotionally distant or not present during sex

- experiencing intrusive or disturbing sexual thoughts and images

- engaging in compulsive or inappropriate sexual behaviors

- experiencing difficulty establishing or maintaining an intimate relationship

- experiencing vaginal pain or orgasmic difficulties

- experiencing erectile or ejaculatory difficulties

 

Sexual healing can be achieved with psychotherapy that also uses EMDR, a way of working with a strong evidence base for resolving trauma and adverse experiences in a relatively short period of time. Pam is a qualified EMDR therapist.