PTSD as a future-oriented survival strategy (CW: sexual assault)
PTSD as a future-oriented survival strategy (CW: sexual assault)
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CW: There is a transcript of a therapist talking to a sexual assault survivor towards the end of the article. No details of the assault are provided, but it may still be triggering to some. You can read up to "A case example of PTSD symptoms as a future-oriented survival strategy" and not see this content.
This is an important look at how trauma symptoms serve a purpose of warding off further trauma. This must be addressed during treatment, otherwise the symptoms may never fully go away.
I love this article because it addresses the magical thinking and locus of control shift experienced by abused children. If you are not familiar with the concept, read the paragraph titled "The locus of control shift."