The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
No Access

"Worse than death": psychodynamics of rape victims and the need for psychotherapy

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.143.7.817

Victims of rape routinely are acknowledged to need counseling but not psychotherapy; if psychotherapy is provided, the major focus is on preexisting psychopathology. The author examines these assumptions and presents a different formulation based solely on an in-depth examination of the many levels of the trauma. Case material reveals the typical symptoms, conflicts, and defenses found in rape victims. The author makes recommendations for psychotherapeutic technique, especially in regard to difficulties in forming a therapeutic alliance.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.