I am 26 now. Between the ages of 15 and 17, I was repeatedly raped and mentally, physically and emotionally abused by my acting/vocal coach at the time. I experienced the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, plus anxiety attacks and depression.

After I met the man who is now my husband, I had the courage to go to therapy. I needed his understanding, patience and support, and he gave it to me.

Going through therapy was the hardest thing I ever had to do. My therapist had me re-live every bad thing that happened to me in total detail. She recorded the sessions, and I had to listen to them every day. I also had to realize the things that would trigger my emotional upsets and immerse myself in them until they no longer affected me. I watched movies with rape scenes and read books about people who had been abused as well.

After four months of this, I stopped getting nightmares and anxiety. It has been two years since I saw the therapist, and I am a better/healthier person because of it. I hope my input helps you help her.