ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I hope to present a model for conceptualizing, assessing, and treating sexual trauma that addresses and honors the problem without making it the controlling self-definition for the individual or the couple. It is important to be aware that negative sexual experiences, sexual abuse, and sexual trauma are extremely common. I believe (McCarthy, 1986) that negative sexual experiences are an almost universal occurrence for both females and males, whether occurring in childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, or adulthood.
