The psychological treatment of rape victims is complicated due to the nature of the crime; the trauma which may occur in four main areas of the victim's life (social, emotional, physical and sexual); community agency involvement and treatment, if any; and the societal attitude that places the blame on the victim. Therapists, in treating rape victims, must have an awareness of possible ramifications and must be prepared to deal with them in the counseling relationship. This paper focuses on the many aspects that therapists must consider in treating a sexual assault victim and describes common therapeutic issues and strategies that can be employed. Special circumstances such as a client in ongoing therapy who discloses a rape that had previously not been acknowledged is addressed. These aspects are illustrated with case material. (Author)