We are all different here. Some have gotten validation from being properly diagnosed. Some may believe the diagnose leaves them doomed. Some will use the diagnosis to receive the right treatment. Some will use the diagnosis for an excuse for bad behavior and do nothing to change. The symptoms, the degree of symptoms, and our uniques lives will effect us differently from one another.
I see the need to use the term of trauma rape syndrome as a way of clarifying that it was this one incident that caused this set of symptoms opposed to lifelong abuse. It may be interpreted my some that it is this one incident that caused this, eliminating one having a predisposition toward developing ptsd due to childhood events, and be a way of laying the blame squarely on the actions of the perpetrator. I think Anthonys post above describes it perfectly. Ashdawn is entitle to her opinion and she states above that she has a different opinion about how diagnosis are made and the intention of the people who make the diagnosis and make up the criteria. While most of us see this as an attempt to reinvent the wheel, she is exploring these new ideas for herself and sharing them here. Maybe she has been misdiagnosed, or has not been diagnosed with ptsd.
The workbook by Copeland-Healing the Trauma of Abuse is a good tool for women and womens groups, even those who have not been raped or suffered any form of sexual abuse. It explores issues specific to women. Women in recovery from addiction have a different set of problems than men in recovery. During alcohol/drug abuse they may have had sex with multiple partners, feel guilt and shame, and have a pattern of relapse from feelings of low self worth. Depending on age, many of us women were taught nothing about our sexuality, what to expect, have developed beliefs about our behavior and bodies that are distorted views. Some women were raised without the ability to say NO to a man for various reasons.
I have previously commented on this thread and have been hesitant to back my resources. I have a masters degree and am licensed and DO diagnose clients. I also specialize in womens issues and worked for 10 years with a YWCA. I used this workbook with womens groups who were primarily domestic violence victims. It is not unusual that within a group of domestic violence victims, a high percentage have also encountered some form of sexual abuse during their life, everything from stranger rape, child molestation, to the inability to say NO due to lack of assertiveness. Some have encountered sexual harrassment, work place or otherwise. Even those who have not encountered any form of sexual abuse have found the workbook very beneficial (including the section on sexual abuse) as they go back out into the world of dating after 20 yrs of marriage. It also provides awareness for all women. This workbook could benefit many women in prevention as well.
Again, often these agencies (sexual abuse and domestic violence services) that operate under the umbrella of a YWCA program and that are funded by grants offer good services but are limited by their funding sources. For this reason, they often provide emergency shelter services, crisis lines, advocacy through legal system as primary services. The goal is to help many-funding is often dependent on the numbers of clients served. during Often there is little funding for individual counseling service. For this reason, they are often limited on the number of individual counseling services they are able to provide and it is more cost effective for their professionals to get clients into groups. Because of this, they often do not have the benefit of getting a thorough history with each client and work with the presenting issues. A thorough assessment before making a diagnosis often requires 3-5 hours of individual sessions. Even then, diagnosis is often not clear and may be deferred or changed at a later time. Therefore, in agencies such as the YWCA, there are terms used, such as Trauma Rape Syndrome that will qualify the client to participate in a particular group, (COST EFFECTIVE) or that will be a starting point for individual treatment. If a therapist met with you one time and confirmed ptsd diagnosis-there would be a problem.
Obviously, some programs are larger and have more funding than others depending on many factors. However, it is not unusual that following treatment on these specific issues, the therapist may refer the client to another local therapist that specializes in the issues that arise during this treatment. (specialists in addiction, eating disorder, ptsd/trauma, BPD, other co-occuring , etc). In one sense, I am defending Ashdawns position, as I believe that if a professional has told her that she suffers from Trauma Rape Syndrome, that is probably accurate. However, that does not mean that she does not have ptsd and it certainly cannot be confirmed here on this forum.
I have a great respect for Anthony's opinion and ability to differentiate diagnosis here on this forum. However, I have read posts of those who want to be given a diagnosis of ptsd and cant get it, and others who dispute the diagnosis of ptsd that they have been given. With all of the information on the internet, there are also people who will report and even articulate symptoms that they do not even have, not necessarily out of dishonesty, but due to the power of suggestibility. Again, having the upmost respect for Anthony's accuracy and expertise on the subject-there is nothing that will replace face to face counseling, intake, thorough history/assessment.
Ashdawn, I think it is wonderful that you have gotten into this program after waiting 8 months. I do think the workbook you are using will be very beneficial. While I disagree with your inability to trust how diagnosis is made and disregard for the DSM, which I have great respect for, therapists are not perfect and do make mistakes in diagnosing. Maybe you have been misdiagnosed. Your enthusiasm is a gift. It sounds like you are on a journey of discovery. Just my opinion, but I believe many others here are in disbelief because they DO have ptsd, and feel that RTS is minimizing or negating the extent of their suffering. Regardless of what the diagnosis is, I also believe that the healing one can achieve has more to do with the individuals ability than the diagnosis. By ability, I mean many things-clearly internal abilities but also access to treatment, health, unique circumstances, support system, social/environmental factors, financial resources or lack of, and much more.
