eSense Digital Therapy Found Effective for Sexual Assault Survivors, Study Shows

A new peer-reviewed study has found that eSense, a digital therapy platform for women’s sexual health, effectively treats Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD) in women with a history of sexual assault—and may also help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Published this week in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, the randomized trial tested eSense’s self-guided program, which mirrors in-person therapy through two established clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT).

The study involved 129 women diagnosed with SIAD, about half of whom had a history of sexual assault. Participants were randomly assigned to CBT, MBT, or a waitlist control, with both treatment approaches delivered entirely through the eSense platform.

Key findings showed that women with a history of sexual assault completed the program at similar rates and with comparable satisfaction as those without such a history. Participants reported significant improvements in sexual desire and reductions in distress, while those with a trauma history also experienced decreases in PTSD symptoms, despite the program not directly targeting trauma.

“This is the first time we’ve seen that treating sexual concerns can also help reduce PTSD symptoms,” said Dr. Lori Brotto, Professor at UBC and co-founder at eSense. “It reinforces the power of trauma-informed, digital tools to make a real difference.”

The results add to a growing body of evidence validating eSense’s clinical impact. Earlier research has shown that the platform performs comparably to high-quality in-person therapy, improving sexual satisfaction and reducing distress related to sex.

With more than 40 per cent of women experiencing sexual difficulties and fewer than 20 per cent receiving treatment—often due to stigma, provider shortages, cost, or geography—eSense’s digital approach could help bridge a critical gap. For the estimated one in three women in North America who have experienced sexual assault, that access could be life-changing.