TrusT: A Multicenter Pilot Study of a Manualized Group Therapy Focusing on Trauma-Related Sexual Symptoms

Trauma-related sexual symptoms are common following interpersonal trauma yet are rarely systematically addressed in trauma-focused treatment. This multicenter pilot study aimed to evaluate the safety, applicability, and preliminary efficacy of a novel manualized group intervention integrating trauma-specific and sex therapy techniques (TrusT). In a multicenter pilot study, 54 individuals assigned female at birth (51 female, 3 non-binary, mean age = 33.8) with a history of interpersonal trauma and persistent sexual symptoms participated in a 12-week group therapy program with weekly sessions. Baseline, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up data were analyzed. The intervention led to significant improvements in trauma-related sexual symptoms (p < .001), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity (p < .001), and dissociative symptoms during sexual situations (all p < .05) after treatment, with sustained effects at follow-up and large effect sizes. Additionally, participants reported enhanced self-determined sexuality (all p < .05), while reported side effects remained minimal. TrusT appears to be a safe and well-tolerated intervention with encouraging preliminary effects on trauma-related sexual symptoms in a clinically underserved population. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is necessary to confirm efficacy and inform integration into trauma-focused treatment frameworks.