Episode 10: Treating Sexual Assault Survivors with Dr. Laura Wilson

Mind Dive

As an expert in post-trauma functioning, particularly in survivors of sexual violence or mass trauma, clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Wilson brings to light the importance of understanding risk factors associated with multiple forms off victimization and finding the right language to use in the process of treating survivors.

On this episode of the Mind Dive Podcast, hosts Dr. Bob Boland and Dr. Kerry Horrell are joined by Dr. Wilson, an Associate Professor of Psychological Science at the University of Mary Washington, to discuss the intricacies of treating sexual assault survivors.

“Tailor your intervention approach to the specific needs of the survivor,” said Dr. Wilson, “Each person is going to have a different lived experience and reactions from people in their lives. We must be flexible and pause and think about what this person would benefit from. This can be challenging because it’s a different skillset than more manualized treatments.”

From a clinician’s first reaction to a disclosure to their cultivation of meaningful language and continued introspection into personal feelings around the topic, mental health clinicians must approach treating a survivor of sexual assault with utmost care. As professionals navigate helping their patients through high profile societal conversations about sexual assault, coping mechanisms and more, Dr. Wilson says the most valuable skills to employ are patience and empathy.

For further education into this topic, see Dr. Wilson’s book with co-author Amie R. Newins, “A Clinician’s Guide to Disclosures of Sexual Assault (ABCT Clinical Practice Series)”

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Listen to Episode 9: Understanding Projective Identification with Dr. Philip Muskin

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Visit The Menninger Clinic website to learn more about The Menninger Clinic’s research and leadership role in mental health.