The process of coping with sexual trauma is defined in terms of trauma themes—affect and schema categories—and a dimension along which trauma resolution can be measured in regard to these themes. The recovery process is a dynamic one that involves integration of traumatic material into one's personality. Thematic issues define the abusive dynamics that drive current behavior and become the focus of psychotherapeutic interventions. Integration of traumatic experiences proceeds by the processing of these thematic issues. Reliably and validly measuring the coping or recovery process that is facilitated by therapeutic interventions is a first step in understanding the treatment process and in creating effective and efficient interventions.
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