If the recent wave of survivors of sexual assault coming forward has empowered you to want to talk more openly about your experiences, you are not alone. However, even when we feel ready it can still be difficult to tell those close to us that sexual abuse or assault is a part of our personal history.

Working to reclaim pleasure is often a part of the healing journey.

Healing from sexual trauma can be a long and complicated journey. Working to reclaim pleasure is often a part of the healing journey. And, while you should never feel that you have to disclose, it can certainly be a part of the healing process, as well.

How To Start The Conversation About Past Sexual Trauma

Here are some tips for how to approach the conversation with your partner when the time comes:

Only Open Up About Your Sexual Trauma If And When You Feel Ready

You don’t owe anyone your story. The decision to share is yours alone. Because being sexually assaulted takes away choice and power, it’s especially important that when you talk about it you do so because you choose to, and in a way that leaves you feeling in control. You should never feel guilty about setting boundaries and approaching the conversation however feels best for you. Anyone forcing you to tell your story likely isn’t invested in your healing or pleasure, and you might want to reconsider being intimate with them.

You don’t owe anyone your story. The decision to share is yours alone.

Pick A Time And Place Where You Are Comfortable

This is one conversation where having home-court advantage can be very helpful. There is no specific magical place, but having a conversation outside of a sexual setting is usually best. Pick a place where you feel comfortable, like in your home or at your favorite coffee shop or bookstore. Or you could decide to have the conversation over video chat so that you have an easy exit. Whatever works best for you is OK.

Set Boundaries And Expectations For Your Conversation

If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “teach people how to treat you,” this is a great opportunity to practice it. Be sure to let your partner know how you’d like them to respond while you’re talking. You may want them, for example, to listen quietly so you can speak uninterrupted, or you may want or not want physical touch from them while you are talking. You may also prefer that they save any questions they have for another day. Feel free to specify whatever you think will make you feel most comfortable and supported.

Let your partner know how you’d like them to respond while you’re talking.

Make A Post-Trauma Discussion Care Plan

Vulnerability hangovers are real. Have you ever shared a really personal thing and then afterward you feel really exhausted or a little woozy? That’s a vulnerability hangover. And post-disclosure hangovers can be particularly draining. Let your partner know how you would like to be comforted afterward. For instance, “can you build us a pillow fort because I am probably going to need to be surrounded by soft things after.” Or, time a delivery of your favorite comfort food. Whatever you do, find a way to bring some sweetness into your life after your talk. Because you just did a hard thing and you deserve pleasure. tr

Disclosing a past sexual trauma can be difficult—and it can also be really rewarding. When a partner is aware of your past trauma, they have the opportunity to be a more conscientious lover and meet you where you are. This can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences, as you’re able to openly navigate what works best for you post-trauma, making the sex you have not only safe, but more pleasurable.

No matter what, remember that when it comes to discussing a past trauma, you—and only you—are in control. And you deserve to do whatever it is for yourself that feels best.